Week Two in 4.0

There was a heavyweight battle in division IV of 4.0 last night as the Hurricanes faced Rice's Saints. After dispensing of their "warmup matches" last week, both teams entered the match undefeated and looking to settle some scores from last year.

The Hurricanes showed that they're much more than a one man team as superstar Sarosh Ahmed was not in the lineup. Eddie Janek has straight setted two very competent 4.0 players in two weeks, beating Wade Karel 6-2, 7-5. In an interesting strategic decision, Chris Reese played #2 singles while Brian Goldberg played #3 doubles. Reese came up short against Quack Bui but Goldberg and Richard Patton had little trouble at line 3. Both of the other doubles were also straight setters. Knutson and Wood won easily at line 1 while the Saints Swartley and Lemus dropped Morris and Tran-Park to 0-2 on the season.

All in all, the match lacked the drama that might have been expected with no third set tiebreakers or nerves to worry about. While the Hurricanes are in the driver's seat for the division title, Rice can comfort itself with the fact that they will be in the opposite bracket from Rice in city playoffs (assuming they get there) and will still have a good shot at Sectionals.

In 4.0 Division I, Copperfield's Copperheads have established themselves as the main early contender to mighty Lakeside. The Copperheads have several players with 4.5 experience and crafty veteran Sam Ahn will be a tough out for any 4.0 in singles. The Lakeside match is late in the season and may be for the Division Championship.

Division two is a tale of the haves and have nots. Three teams are winless and three undefeated. The JCC dudes have dropped just one line so far. We may find out what the Dudes are made of next week when they take on Chancellor's. Jerry Pham is always tough to beat at #1 singles. Phuong Le has improved...but is he good enough to consistently win at line 2?

On paper, Division III seems a notch below the others. Sienna Plantation has the early lead.