2023 Gengler Cup

The 2023 Gengler Cup was a wonderful success. The USIC team brough home the trophy after too many years away, with a competitive 9-4 win that included many close and well fought matches. It was great fun to pull together a US team from various parts of the country. We had a number of players new to the IC who enjoyed and participated all weekend in the IC spirit of competitive tennis and new friendships made. 

After an extremely hot and humid practice Friday afternoon, we met up with the men’s Baker Bowl and Sorlien Cup players for a drinks at the bar. It was nice that three of our players had spouses playing in the men’s events.  After an enjoyable team dinner, where we had the opportunity to further meet each other, we were ready to rest up for Saturday. 

Saturday play was excellent and exciting. Two of our new team members from Kentucky, Jessica Cunningham and Yasemin Congleton helped us build a slight lead with two strong and unexpected wins. Our three players from the Edgemoor Club in Bethesda, Md., all playing their first IC event, built our lead with wins on the #1 court against players who had beaten us in the past - great play from Francine McLoud, Heather Walsh, and Suzanne Olson! Maria Brisbane from the NY City River Club, played her first IC match volunteering for singles. With a good battle against a veteran Canadian singles player, it was well fought. Our long-time Gengler Cup stalwarts pulled in more wins. Palm Beach residents Wendy Nolan and Irene Graham went 1 -1. Connie Peters from Greenwich, CT, won her first match, then teamed up with Maria Brisbane to clinch the Gengler Cup win with an 7- 2 lead going into Sunday’s final 4 matches. 

Sunday’s play remained at the same high levels with the competition enjoyed by all. The weather was as perfect as it was Saturday with some sun and 70’s. We split the matches 2- 2, taking the top court again with Connie and Francine.  Irene and Suzanne pulled off a solid win. Wendy and Marie played another “#1 court” team and played well while Jessica and Yasemin just missed the win a very tight 3rd set tie-breaker. Final Score 9 – 4 USIC. 

Our Canadian hosts provided a great venue at the Donalda Club, great weather, a lovely banquet, great competition, and wonderful old and new friendships. It is such a pleasure to participate in this event! With a calf injury, my participation was off court and all the better to watch the matches and enjoy my team and Canadian friendships.  A great time was had by all!