Tournament Recap: Pauline Betz Addie Cup 2024

DATES: June 5-6, 2024
LOCATION: Century Country Club, Harrison, NY
HOSTED BY: Eastern

RECAP BY HELGA IMMERFALL

The Addie Cup was formed in 1981 when several long-time Sears Cup players became eligible to play in the 40+ division. This team event is held annually and is hosted by a different section each year. Players in age groups ranging from 40+ through 80+ (in 10-year increments) are selected to represent their respective sections. It is considered an honor to be asked to participate. Notably, two of the original participants played in the over 80 division this year.

This year’s event was hosted by Eastern and held at The Century Country Club in Harrison, NY. New England, Mid-Atlantic, and Middle States brought their tennis whites and team spirit. Teams were seeded prior to the event with top-seeded Eastern slated to play 4th seeded Middle States and second-seeded New England versus 3rd seed Mid-Atlantic on the first day. Each age division plays singles and doubles, except for the 80’s who played doubles only this year. Each match played counts as one point and the team winner each day is decided by cumulative points.

The weather was beautiful and cooperative on the first day of the competition. Eastern beat Mid-Atlantic 17-2 and New England topped Middle States 14-5. These results set up the next day’s competition pitting Eastern against New England for first and second place and Mid-Atlantic against Middle States for third and fourth. After competing hard all day (there were seven 3-set matches in total) we were treated to a delicious dinner at Century Country Club hosted by Eastern. The setting was gorgeous and the staff at Century were more than gracious.

Thursday’s weather forecast was not encouraging. It was decided (fortunately) that all matches would be played indoors. Most of the matches were played at McEnroe’s Sportime Randall’s Island, a really nice facility that included indoor clay courts. Getting to this venue included a one-hour tour of NYC! Scoring was modified to a match tie break instead of a full three-set format.

Eastern edged New England by 10-9 in total matches and won the Addie Cup. The last match on court was as close as it gets with Carol Levine and Cindy Leprovost prevailing over Allyson Bolduc and Sue Kimball 4-6. 6-4, 13-11. Mid-Atlantic vs. Middle States was also extremely close at 10-9 for Mid-Atlantic.

This was my first Addie Cup experience. The competition was great and of course it was wonderful to reconnect with players and meet new people! One of my teammates talked about the spirit of the event where we blend many generations and find inspiration along the age spectrum. Thanks to all who helped make this event memorable!