CHAMPION: It’s been a successful season on the tennis court for Luci Barlow, who recently won with her team at the National Teams event and took out the Ōtorohanga Tennis Club singles’ title. PHOTO SUPPLIED
Luci Barlow could well be Ōtorohanga Tennis Club’s version of Serena Williams, she’s winning that much lately.
Barlow won her club singles’ title in impressive fashion while she was also part of a Western Bay of Plenty team who outplayed their Auckland and Waikato counterparts to win the National Teams title in Waikato.
Alongside Barlow in her winning team were Jane Miskell, Quinareva Te Rupe, Casey Tarau, Aliya Edwards and Weiwei Verran.
They lost to Auckland in pool play but managed to reverse the ledger in the final.
“It was a good tournament. I was pleased with how I went. We had an awesome final day and played our best tennis against Auckland in the final.
“It was quite tough, but it was good. We were a mixed age group. The final was the toughest match.”
Barlow said the standard of tennis was incredibly high with their Auckland counterparts winning a high-level tournament in Auckland prior to the Waikato event.
“We ran out of time and lost to them by a set. In the final we took revenge against them.”
The event took place in two different venues in Cambridge and Hamilton, and it was the first time Barlow had played with most of her teammates.
“It was good. Great team atmosphere and I really enjoyed it.”
It was a fitting way for Barlow to end what had been a busy summer season on the court.
“It’s pretty much finished now. There is the odd tournament still to be played but most of the main events have been held.”
National events are scheduled on the calendar from December, while inter-club is set for October.
“It’s been a really good year for me. I am loving my tennis and getting out on court and playing alongside some different players and testing myself against them.”
Graymont Lime Limited have offered to jump on board and sponsor Barlow going forward.
“It’s awesome having their backing, and the Ōtorohanga Tennis Club have been great, too.”
