Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, June 10, 1990 TAG: 9006080584
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-14 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: CHRISTINA MOTLEY SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES & WORLD-NEWS
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG LENGTH: Medium
They're so serious that they formed their own New River Valley Ladies' Day-Time Tennis League and joined the New River Valley Tennis Association.
The women's league is only a small representation of the valley's high interest in tennis.
More than 40 men and women began competing earlier this week in Christiansburg's New River Nissan Doubles Tennis Classic, a highlight for June's National Tennis Month. The tournament is the first of its kind in the area, said Susan Unger, co-director.
New River Nissan, Montgomery County Parks and Recreation and the New River Valley Tennis Association are sponsoring the tournament, taking place on Christiansburg High School's tennis courts.
Proceeds from the tournament's $12 team registration fees go to support programs of the non-profit New River Valley Tennis Association, Unger said.
The U.S. Professional Tennis Registry and Head Sports are sponsoring Unger's involvement with the tournament. Unger is a certified tennis instructor from the professional tennis registry and is the New River Valley Tennis Association's program director.
Each team member receives a T-shirt, and each team plays at least two matches in Christiansburg's tournament, Unger said. The final competition lies between the winners of the most matches.
The Doubles Tennis Classic Tournament is only one program the New River Valley Tennis Association has organized, Unger said.
"The women's league is also the first of its kind in the New River Valley," she said. "It's an amazing thing to see more than 50 women of all ages playing tennis.
"And these women literally all practice on the Town of Blacksburg courts at the same time."
The new ladies' league has scheduled approximately 20 matches throughout the tennis season, April to September.
They will play against other women's teams, including some of Roanoke's indoor teams and Blacksburg's Country Club tennis team.
"The interest is definitely here," Unger said. "It was just a matter of getting an organized program together. Now you can see the explosion of interest."
New River Valley women are participating for a variety of reasons - exercise, socializing, sunning and for meeting other women with similar interests.
"I enjoy the exercise," said Mary Sim, 54, of Blacksburg. "This valley has needed something like this. That is obvious when our courts are filled.
"Susan is a crackerjack, and everyone is enthusiastic and attentive," she continued. "That is an unusual task for this many women of all playing levels, all walks of life and all ages."
"I enjoy [the women's tennis league] thoroughly," said homemaker Betty Manus. "I'm meeting new people all the time and am improving my skill. It's a good social activity, exercise, and you can't beat the feeling of good warm sun on your face [while] looking at your opponent across the net."
The women's league is only a beginning, said Vananda Lanzillotti, New River Valley Tennis Association board member. "Two years ago there wasn't a formalized tennis association. Today, we are making tennis available for anyone and everyone. . . ." Unger said.
"We are hoping for a men's league, a working women's league and a co-ed league," Lanzillotti said. "There are no limits. . . ."
by CNB