After an impressive victory in St. Louis on Monday, the CAPS had a great shot to take out the Springfield Lasers on Tuesday and even its record at 2-2. Going into the final set, the CAPS were in yet another tight battle, leading the match 18-17. That's when the wheels fell off for Elena and Tammy, who could only muster one game, giving the Lasers a 22-19 win.
Although disappointed, the CAPS had to recover quickly to be ready for a duel with undefeated Kansas City last night. Perhaps it was the fact that it was their third match in as many days, or maybe the Explorers are just that good, but the CAPS dropped all five sets, losing 25-15, one of its worst losses in years.
The CAPS, now 1-4, return home this week facing another back-to-back, on Friday and Saturday.
Mark Your Calendars
Every year, the CAPS prepare their schedule with the fans in mind. Theme nights help make a night out at Allstate Stadium more than just a tennis match. Here's a look at what the CAPS have in store for you in '08.
Friday, July 11 - CAPS Idol -- The CAPS seek revenge on the Springfield Lasers. Marquee player Dmitry Tursunov will be in action and we might even get to hear his singing voice. It's CAPS Idol Night! Back on June 21st, contestants battled in an American Idol type singing competition as Coach Wayne Bryan played the part of Simon (only much more cheery). Now the finalists will perform at half-time and you get to help decide the winner... Reminder, this is tomorrow night!
Saturday, July 12 - Drop-Shot Divas - Lindsay Davenport and the Newport Beach Breakers are in town, but this day is all about the ladies! Just listen to this: For only $50, ladies start the day at Nordstrom for a private "Dress Like a Diva" seminar, makeup session, and gourmet lunch. After you pamper yourself, enjoy a clinic with Coach Bryan and Lindsay Davenport has even agreed to participate! A ticket to the match is also included. This is by far the best deal in town, so go ahead, be a Diva for a day!
* Just a note on Lindsay, it is so clear how much she loves the game of tennis. It's not often a marquee player agrees to interact with fans, participate in clinics, and don't forget she had to pull out of Wimbledon with an injured knee. But she will be here in Sacramento, honoring her commitments to World Team Tennis. Be sure to give her a warm CAPS-style welcome on Saturday night.
Tuesday, July 15 - Ready to Rumble - Get a group together from your club and see how you stack up against the local competition. Teams will play a WTT-format match for $500 in prize money. Bring your A-game!
Tuesday, July 22 - Couples Night - Couples receive two-for-one ticketing and a chance to win great prizes in a special half-time contest. The 7th Annual Coca-Cola High School Challenge also will take place today! During the day, area high school teams compete in a co-ed, WTT-format tournament, with the finals being held under the lights after the match. It's a bonus for the fans, who can stick around for more great tennis, as some of the top high-school players in town try to bring the title to their school.
Wednesday, July 23 - Fan Appreciation Night, as well as a tribute to our local heroes. Join the CAPS as they salute local law enforcement officials, volunteers, and firefighters, who especially deserve recognition after the past two months battling numerous wildfires in California.
Don't forget, WTT Championship Weekend is July 24-27 at Allstate Stadium! Contact the CAPS at (916)638-4001 or visit our website at www.gocaps.net for more information.
Great Day for Tennis
The Wimbledon final put tennis back on the map.
Rafael Nadal's epic victory over Roger Federer was absolutely shocking, stunning, incredible, magnifico, bueno... in whatever language you choose, whatever adjective you can come up with, the match was one for the ages!
I got up at 6:15 am thinking I would watch Federer win yet another Wimbledon title, breaking Bjorn Borg's record, and I would be on with my Sunday by 10 am, catching up on the things I failed to do all week. About 2 pm, I was still glued to the television, watching two of the greatest players our sport has ever seen battle back and forth in a winner-take-all fifth set. Four hours, 48 minutes later -- but really about seven hours real time -- we had a winner.
Nadal deserves major credit for his grittiness and fighting attitude, prevailing 6-4, 6-4, 6-7, 6-7, 9-7 after two rain delays and unbelievable pressure packed moments. But as crushed as Federer was -- nearly breaking into tears in his post-match interview with John McEnroe -- he is still the better player. Regardless, the fact that the match took place on the most prestigious court in tennis with the world watching, was a big boost for the sport.
The image of an elated Nadal laying on the grass in triumph was voted ESPN's Image of the Week. It's not often an image from a tennis match gets that kind of recognition in a sports world dominated by major sports like football, basketball, baseball, and NASCAR.
I cannot wait for the US Open, and I have a feeling plenty of sports fans now share that sentiment. So please join me in welcoming tennis back to the mainstream!
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