Staff
The Memorial Sports Centre was buzzing with more than just ice and pool activities over the weekend as 21 women squared off in four divisions of squash on Saturday.
The top division, named “NM2” off of the first names of the three players competing, featured a competitive, round-robin format.
Nikki Bagacki opened the proceedings by defeating Megan Ross 3-2 in a quick but physical best-of-five battle. Ross then faced Mary-Beth Tkachuk, with Tkachuk getting the best of the challenger in three-straight sets.
That set the stage for a Bagacki-Tkachuk title bout, which went the full five games, including six exchanges at 5-8 in the final game before Tkachuk pulled out a 10-8 victory.
Meanwhile, the “Let … No Stroke!” division saw veteran Kris Krag sweep Kerry Zucchiatti and Timea Fleury to reach the final against Sherri “The Rabbit” Christiansen, who had defeated Darlene Barrett and Donna Main en route to the final.
This final went the distance, too, before Krag pulled out a 3-2 victory over a relentless Christiansen.
On the consolation side of the same draw, Fleury defeated ageless vet Main in five sets to win the title.
In the “Smashers” division, Joelle Forget of Thunder Bay cruised to the title with three-straight victories, only losing one game during that streak.
Shannon Jackson finished second, followed by Rooky Randeree in third and Jen L’Hirondelle in fourth.
And in the junior girls’ division, Anika Alexander continued her winning ways—only losing one game to capture top spot.
Angel McCormack took second on a countback over Kimika Alexander, who settled for third. Laura Cotterill finished fourth to round out the bracket.
The Sunset Country Squash Club’s next action will be at the Manitoba Closed Tournament on Jan. 30-Feb. 1 at the Winnipeg Winter Club.
The club’s home tourney—the Wes Derksen LL.B. Open—will be held Feb. 13-15. Those interested in playing can sign up at fortsquash.com in the adult and junior divisions.
