2022 SALA Cup Summary — by SALA-AAA
The 2022 SALA cup was a huge success with a new innovative match format. The limited 8 team spots were quickly filled after opening for registration and a waiting list was established.
This is the first time AAA hosted a free community tournament event with SALA team’s support. The joint planning and preparation with SALA team started 2-3 months before the event. Mr. Hong Wang from Bay Area Tennis gave us tremendous help putting the invitation & match UTR structure in place.
The tournament was very well received and exceeded everyone’s expectation. The entire tennis community was talking about the inaugural 2022 SALA cup.
Total of 8 talented teams participated:
Tofu
Mission Hills
City Farmers
Eaternity
Team of King Shawn
Froggies
Funsports
AAA
The final was between the Froggies and Eaternity. It was intense and eye-catching. With big appetites and a loud cheering team, Eaternity ate all the frogs and headed to another hot pot feast after sweeping Froggies team.
Top 10 reasons players love the SALA Cup:
Captain Planning and Wisdom: With at least 3 girls in each line, no default, no stacking, D3 worth 3 points, total team UTR below 30, it takes a lot of new thinking for a captain
Higher Level Partners: It’s almost impossible for most intermediate players to pair with a much higher-rated partner, but SALA cup offers this opportunity. Intermediate players taste the happy feeling of playing and possibly winning with a super good partner
Player Support: The SALA team worked diligently to accommodate players from thoughtful road signs and giveaways for every player to iced drinks, snacks, and lunch
Team Spotlight for Intermediate Players: Center stage court given to D3 (worth 3 points)
Individual Medals and Awards: for all Champion and Finalist players
Special Individual Award: Best matching outfit pair, best sportsmanship
Professional Check-in Process: Similar to USTA Sectionals with matching lineup cards, player lists, and schedule pre-printed and provided in captain folders
Beautiful Crystal Trophy: One of a kind team crystal trophies
Instructional Doubles Clinic Session: Doubles Offensive and Defensive Volley Positioning and Strategy
Beautiful Facility: Private and separate 6 courts at the Mission Hills Racquet Club
AAA would like to thank SALA for sponsoring this inaugural one of a kind community tennis tournament. Thank you also to all the players who participated in the tournament, and congratulations to the winning team. We would like to thank all the AAA volunteers for their hard work during the weekend. We will see you next year!
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