Amy Hutter and Kathleen Buckley Win Pioneer Valley Women’s Open

Hilary Meyers
March 25, 2013
Longmeadow, MA

The Pioneer Valley Ladies’ Tournament was played on March 2nd under slightly overcast skies at the Longmeadow Field Club in Longmeadow, Massachusetts. Under the deft organization of Leslie Haskins and Aså Nilsson (and with a valuable assist from Leslie’s husband, Art) competitive play moved along smoothly. The team of Kathleen Buckley and Amy Hutter took home the top trophy, outlasting Cathy Ackerman and Katrina Driscoll in an entertaining, three-set contest, 4-6, 7-6, 6-2.

Main Draw 

In other areas of play, the team of Paula Fazli and Carolyn McCoy out-dueled Kelly Hellstein and Yvonne Ting in a three-setter to win the Consolation Round. Katie Martin and Nindy Pike were the Consolation Reprieve Winners, prevailing over Linda Atkins and Meg Murphy. Club member Kate Morneau and her partner, Kate McGetrick won the Quarter Reprieve portion of the draw over Leah Nero and Amy Chafee.

While well-deserved congratulations go to the champions, the headliner of the day was the spanking new paddle hut at the Field Club. In this case, the word “hut” is a misnomer–I believe one participant dubbed the building a “castle”! The Field Club members have enhanced their facility with a building that combines superb practical use of space with remarkable aesthetic sensibility. The lounge/dining area is anchored by a beautiful stone hearth, which is flanked toward the back by a kitchen on one side and restrooms on the other. Spectator viewing is accessible from three sides, and the ample decking surround adds plenty of fresh-air observation space. Completed just this January, the structure is nestled among the five paddle courts, already looking fully integrated. Three cheers for the Longmeadow Field Club membership!

Keeping it green was Haskins’ mission. Water was available on tap only; plastic water bottles were nowhere in sight. The prizes, baskets and cutting boards, were made of natural material. And in the spirit of renewable energy, two masseurs offered free massages to the women in between matches.

It was a fun and exhilarating day of strong platform tennis.