WILLOW OAKS INVITATIONAL FOR MAKE-A-WISH
October 27 - 29, 2006

The 3rd Annual Willow Oaks Invitational raised approx. $1,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, thanks to Richmond players who participated in the weekend event.  It was held indoors on the Willow Oaks "Har Tru" clay courts.  

Luck Stone Corporation, which owns Har Tru, was the sponsor of the invitational open to players rated 4.5 and above.  The event featured Men's Doubles, Women's Doubles and Mixed Doubles.

"We had a great match - an unbelievable match - today," said Bryan Bostic, who with his partner Charles Einwick won the men's doubles.  

"It was just terrific all around tennis, especially lots of fast net play and fun to watch," commented a spectator.  

The winners of the women's division, Laura LaFors and Kim Harrington of Hermitage Country Club, also had to fight through tough competition to claim their title.  They defeated Steph Green and Lorene Whitehouse 6-3, 6-3 on Friday before deposing top seeded Martha Condyles and Martha Davis in three sets 7-6, 5-7, 6-4. 

The Willow Oaks Committee -comprised of Steph Green, Fred Hall and John Hudson moved the tournament from May to October this year due to scheduling conflicts with USTA and other area tournaments. 

"This time of year is definitely a better time," said Head Pro Lynn Bybee, "but unfortunately there will always be conflicts with football season.  But each year, more people are hearing about it and expressing an interest in playing.  We look forward to continuing to grow the tournament in the future."

Several players participated in the SMARTBOX VA State Indoor Mixed Tournament the same weekend.  Julie Kaczmarek, who heads the tournament committee for SMARTBOX, coordinated court times with Lynn Bybee so players would be able to participate in both events.  

"It's a great cause," said Bostic.  "This is the second year I've played in the tournament.  There are a lot of good players in the area and we need to find a way to make it possible for all of them to come out and have fun.  Play tennis-- support Make-A-Wish?...I said "yes!" as soon as I got the phone call."

THE RESULTS

CHAMPIONSHIP MEN'S DOUBLES

Bryan Bostic / Charles Einwick
def. Mark Laramore / Dan Carey 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(5)

CHAMPIONSHIP WOMEN'S DOUBLES

Laura LaFors / Kim Harrington
def. Karolyn Hall / Jill Browne  6-3, 6-4

CHAMPIONSHIP MIXED DOUBLES

Steph Green / John Hudson
def. Lorene Whitehouse / Pat Perry 7-6(8), 2-6, 7-5