Alamo 2023 Was a Battle!
Dr. Tim Baghurst, Photos by CoachMaripa
May 6, 2023
The Battle at the Alamo has been four years in the making and it was no surprise that the women’s pro draw was larger than any pro stop outside of the US Open. Jessica Parrilla (MEX) and Erika Manilla (USA) were both tested early on by juniors trying to make their mark but came through the early rounds. Upsets were prevalent in the round of 16. A win by Valeria Centallas (ARG) over Alexandra Herrera (MEX) in the round of 16 following an upset by Brenda Laime (BOL) over six seed Natalia Mendez to make the quarterfinals. Maria Jose Vargas (ARG) caused an upset, on paper anyway, over Jessica Parrilla, and Samantha Salas (MEX) shocked Angelica Barrios (BOL).
The quarter finals are often a tossup and Salas continued her fine form by topping two seed Monserrat Mejia (MEX). Laime overcame Centallas in a tiebreaker and world number one Paola Longoria (MEX) also needed a tiebreaker to advance over a tough Carla Munoz (CHI). Vargas, meanwhile, had a more comfortable path to the semis defeating Manilla in two straight.
The semifinals led to a Longoria vs Laime final, and it was all Longoria from the beginning. Longoria’s form has been questioned the last six months, but she was in peak form in the final, keeping unforced errors to almost none and hitting winners from all parts of the court. Laime bravely fought on, but Longoria triumphed 15-7, 15-3.
The Mixed Pro Doubles division provided some outstanding entertainment and matchups. The married couple of Carla Munoz and Alan Natera (MEX) defeated Alex Landa (USA) and Maria Jose Vargas in two close games.
Thank you to everyone who made this event possible. Our sincere appreciation goes to:
* Alamo City Racquetball Association
* Mike Cantu, Tournament Director
* Sandy Rios of San Rios Billing
* Joe Hall of Splathead (LPRT merchandise)
* Lance Gilliam of Gilliam & Associates
* Quality Fasteners
* Thousand Oaks Family YMCA
* Culebra Meat Market
* El Jalisco Restaurant
* Roswell Family Care