Tuesday Thriller Produces New Champs

In a match that provided brilliant shot-making, drama, heart-breaking moments as well as joyous celebration, the first-year team of JD Dale and Ken Lather dug deep to win their first FCC Doubles Title. 

After losing the opening set 6-3, the eventual champions went down 1-2 in the second set.  Somehow, they staved off a game point which would have given the team of Ostrander / Walton an insurmountable 3-1 second set lead.  Ostrander and Walton were only 10 minutes from their second FCC Title!

After breaking serve Lather & Dale held serve and cruised to a 6-3 second set win.  Then came the most dramatic 15 minutes the FCC Courts have ever seen as the two combatants fought for the title in a match tie-break.  Winner being declared after either team reaches 10 points with a 2-pt margin. 

Team Walton / Ostrander went out to an 8-5 lead and later held 2 championship points (9-8 and 10-9) but could not finish the deal.  On the first of them, Ostrander made a diving poach move at net to hit a huge volley, only to have the match saved by a running forehand by Dale. 

On their second match point, Ken Lather and JD Dale clinched the FCC Title with a 13-11 win, but most importantly, elevating the meaning of this event for years to come.  

I can't wait til next summer's rematch !