Vargas, Mejia, and Herrera Win Chicago and Maryland
by T. J Baumbaugh
Lombard, Illinois – 31st Annual Turkey Shoot
Decades of battles have been fought on the famous "fishbowl" green glass wall court at the famous Glass Court Swim & Fitness Club in Lombard Illinois, and this year's LPRT event was no different. Maria Jose Vargas (ARG) came out victorious this time earning her 6th career singles title while the tough duo of Montse Mejia (MEX) and Alexandra Herrera (MEX) claimed their 7th pro doubles title.
Two upsets in the single semis created a Vargas and Erika Manilla (USA) final. #4 Vargas won efficiently over #1 Mejia 7,7, and #6 Manilla got her career best win beating the 13-time LPRT tour champion Paola Longoria (MEX) in a tiebreaker. That was Manilla’s second career final after last year's US Open.
Thank you to Dan Jaskier, Glass Court Swim & Fitness, and Laurel Davis for hosting the LPRT. Thank you to all of the sponsors who made the event possible, with special thanks to GOLD Sponsors: Tyler Medical Services (Dr. George Pappas), Country Financial (Bruce Nelson), Deb & Geoff Peters, Solomon Racquet Sports (Stewart Solomon), and John & Kay O’Donnell.
Millersville, Maryland – 31st Annual Christmas Classic
This very special event was one of the warmest, friendliest events of the season. It was a celebration of the holidays, the sport, and it showcased the amazing athleticism of the LPRT athletes. It was also a coming together of the local racquetball community that included new junior players as well as former pros who came out as fans.
The event proceeds went to Frontline Family Foundation (frontlinefamilyfoundation.org), a nonprofit that grants care and support to veterans, first responders, and their family members to enable them access to the necessary care and treatment they need to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
Maria Jose Vargas (ARG) clinched another title after some close tiebreakers in both the finals, over Montse Mejia (MEX) and semis over Paola Longoria (MEX). Mejia and Alexandra Herrera (MEX) also added to their doubles resume by winning another tiebreaker final.
Thank you to presenting sponsor AGE Solutions (Andy Gomer) and for all the sponsors who made the event possible: Karen and Mike Grisz, Jason Young, Glenn Sincovich, Delia Walters, Lee Horwitz, Frank McCabe, Mark Baron, and Adil Khokar. Thank you to Stewart Solomon, Tracie Valentine, and Bill Milbach for running a successful event.
