WTT Washington Kastles

Kastles win season finale

July 24, 2008 - World TeamTennis (WTT)
Washington Kastles News Release


The Kastles finished off their inaugural season with a memorable win over Anna Kournikova and the St. Louis Aces 22-17 in overtime. The season's last match started with a raucous sell-out crowd at Kastles Stadium at CityCenterDC and finished indoors at East Potomac Park in a rowdy, fun-filled environment of over 400 Kastles faithful.

Kastles Stadium at CityCenterDC was rocking during the first two sets of the night. The capacity crowd was buzzing from the start as the Kastles' Scott Oudsema won the first set 5-2 over Uladzimir Ignatik from Belarus who was the worlds #2 junior last year. Oudsema again dazzled the fans with his booming serve, blistering forehands and aggressive play which never let Ignatik get into the match. Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas and the Tennis Channel's Murphy Jensen joined the crowd in cheering for the Kalamazoo, Michigan native.

In the second set, the "Kiwi Kid" Sacha Jones stepped onto the court to face Jelena Pandzic. In a set decided by four 3-all points all won by Pandzic, Sacha lost 5-3. Still, Sacha played terrific tennis and showed why she has become a fan favorite over the course of the season. She is a rising star in tennis so lookout for her in the months and years to come!

In the third set, Justin Gimelstob and Oudsema squared off against Ignatik and Travis Rettenmaier. After the second game, the skies opened and rain fell on Kastles Stadium for the first time ever during a match. With no end to the rain in site, Kastles officials decided to move the match to their official indoor rain site: East Potomac Park at Haines Point. Upon resuming play, the Kastles duo was energized by the crowd and won the set 5-3 with several great points and inspired play. In particular, Gimelstob showed the form that led him to a long successful career on the tour ripping service returns and closing points with his volleys at net.

The Kastles cemented their lead in the dramatic mixed doubles fourth set. Kournikova stepped onto the court with Rettenmaier paired against the Kastles' Oudsema and Mashona Washington. The Kastles came out hot winning the first two games of the set. After the second game, Oudsema was subbed for Gimelstob who continued his strong play. With "Ma-Ma-Mashona" playing very solid tennis, the Kastles pair won the set 5-2 and took a 18-12 overall lead.

However as Kastles fans have learned, no lead is safe in WTT going into the fifth set. Kournikova and Pandzic played very aggressively and fans saw the tennis skills that propelled Kournikova to become one of the best players in the world. The Aces pair jumped in front of Mashona and Sacha and won 5-3 to force overtime.

The lively crowd inside the bubble cheered loudly and Mashona responded with her trademark fiery attitude that Kastles fans have loved all season. She held serve in the first game and closed out the team's sixth victory of the season. For the fans who made the trip to Haines Point, it was an unforgettable experience to see the highest levels of tennis and both veteran and rising stars in such an intimate setting.

The Kastles would like to thank our amazing fans who have supported us throughout the season. Your support and incredible response to the team have made our first year better than we ever could have hoped for. With three fully sold out matches, several near sell-outs and 94% of all tickets sold throughout the season, we are extremely grateful.

Please stay up to date with all of the Kastles news throughout the year at www.WashingtonKastles.com. During the off-season, we will maintain a year-round presence in the community and look forward to seeing everyone at the matches next year!!



World TeamTennis Stories from July 24, 2008


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