Cape Ann Paddle Club holds first Women’s Open

Erica Curtis
March 2, 2015
Annisquam, MA

Ice floes on the Annisquam River greeted the 16 players who traveled to Gloucester, MA, to play the Cape Ann Paddle Tennis Club's (CAPT) first Women's Open on February 21st. Situated in a scenic wooded spot just east of Ipswich Bay, the two-court club was the setting for a lively tournament that drew eight teams from the greater Boston area and as far away as Holyoke, MA, and Newport, RI.



The conditions were perfect for winter paddle—dry sky, not too much sun, little wind. And, while the thermometer hovered in the 20s, the CAPT hut offered a cozy respite throughout the day with a gas stove, table laden with treats, and clear sight lines to all matches. Hockey great Julie Sasner Smith ran a flawless tournament, with an assist by Hospitality Director Julia Pasquina, who even ordered Diet Coke for one high-maintenance player.



The spirited tourney had a small draw that allowed matches to progress at a steady clip and gave players a chance to get acquainted off-court. The late-afternoon finals saw an exciting victory by the fast-driving pair of Shana (Return this!) Roberts and Nindy (I guess I’ll throw up some lobs) Pike over Sharon (Steady Eddie) Edwards and Barbara (The Blitzer) Horne, at 6-4, 6-1. The winners took home Viking paddle backpacks emblazoned with their title. Consolation winners were Field Club of Longmeadow duo Asa Nilsson and Sara Suchy. Semi-reprieve winners were sisters Erin and Kelly Hellstein Canniff, who had their proud mom and CAPT member on hand to cheer. Consolation Reprieve winners were Michelle Faulds and Diane Flynn.

As the post-play party kicked up, the snow started to fall softly, offering a fitting coda to a lovely New England paddle day. A special thanks to Hallie Baker for the exquisite Turtle Alley chocolates, to Viking for providing favors, with much appreciation for the snow removal and good humor of Ted Dangelmayer, and to Matt, John, Henri, for all your work and support for running this event.