By Arthur L. Mack, special to USTA.com
MOBILE, Ala. – The Pacific Northwest section women’s team and Southern section men’s team completed their dream seasons with National titles at the USTA League Adult 18 & Over 3.5 National Championships, held at the Copeland-Cox Tennis Center.
In a championship that went down to the wire, the Pacific Northwest team from Seattle prevailed over the Southern section team from Pelham, Ala., 3-2. Earlier in the day, the Seattle women scored a semifinal victory over the New England section team from Weatogue, Conn.
"This is what it's all about," said Seattle team captain Ashley Chen. "We don't have a coach. We're just a bunch of girls who got together. Some of us didn't even know each other, but we were fortunate enough to go all the way."
The Northern California section team from San Francisco finished in third place with a tight win over the New England section team, 3-2.
In men’s action, the Southern section team from Jackson, Miss., saved its best tennis for when it mattered most and shut out the Texas section team from Dallas, 5-0. Earlier in the day, Jackson scored a convincing semifinal win over the Florida section team from Weston, Fla.
"Back in February of last year, we thought we had a chance to make it to Nationals," said team captain Conway Craig. "Everybody on the team plays tennis every day. We put in the work, and that's what did it for us."
The Intermountain section team from Orem, Utah, finished in third place by squeezing past the Florida section team, 3-2.