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Whitehorse triumphs over Juneau in Northern Cup tennis

Despite less-than-stellar windy and rainy conditions, it seemed like a good time was had by all at the Northern Cup of tennis. 

The Northern Cup took place in Whitehorse at the Mount McIntyre tennis courts July 12-14. 

Sixteen players from the Yukon competed with 11 from Juneau for northern tennis supremacy. 

The format was an eight-game pro set with each team’s wins counting toward the team total.

The Yukon Star stopped by on a windy and cold Saturday to check out the action. 

A singles match featured Juneau’s Shawn Arnold versus Whitehorse’s Mohammad Idrees. 

Idrees said the game went well, as he came out on top in the eight-game match. 

“These guys come every year, so we really enjoy (it),” he said. 

TAKES THE WIN – Whitehorse's Mohammad Indrees returns the ball Saturday during a match against Juneau's Shawn Hamilton during a singles match at Mount McIntyre in Whitehorse. (Morris Prokop / The Yukon Star)
TAKES THE WIN – Whitehorse’s Mohammad Indrees returns the ball Saturday during a match against Juneau’s Shawn Hamilton during a singles match at Mount McIntyre in Whitehorse. (Morris Prokop / The Yukon Star)

Arnold said he was a little tired after playing five matches on Saturday. He said he and his partners did OK overall at the event. 

“We won one match there for doubles, lost a couple, then lost singles. All in all, it was a down day but it was a lot of fun.” 

Arnold had no matches scheduled for Sunday. 

“I’m just gonna rest tomorrow,” he said. “I’m looking forward to resting.” 

Arnold said this was his first time at the tournament. 

“It’s wonderful. It’s just so well-co-ordinated, and great hospitality. Everybody has been so welcoming here at the tournament and it’s been a lot of fun.” 

According to Tennis Yukon president Stacy Lewis, the Northern Cup rebooted in 2008. 

“It’s been a really neat tradition and fun relationships and community growing from that. The excitement of playing different people is so fun.” 

Lewis said it’s more fun to compete in a team setting as opposed to the usual individual format. 

“They often have matching shirts and it’s just a fun way to do it.” 

FOCUSED – Juneau's Shawn Hamilton returns the ball during a singles match against Whitehorse's Mohammad Indrees held at Mount McIntyre in Whitehorse on Saturday. (Morris Prokop / The Yukon Star)
FOCUSED – Juneau’s Shawn Hamilton returns the ball during a singles match against Whitehorse’s Mohammad Indrees held at Mount McIntyre in Whitehorse on Saturday. (Morris Prokop / The Yukon Star)

The day ended with a doubles match. Steve Hamilton from California, and Stephanie Stefanich, from Minnesota, won the match against Lewis and Idrees. 

Hamilton, who used to live in Juneau, said it was a great match. 

Stefanich, who was visiting her kids in Juneau, said Hamilton, who’s been participating in the Northern Cup since 2008, is a great mentor. 

“We just had a great time,” said Hamilton. “We love being here. We love Canadians. We feel very welcome.” 

Of the match, Hamilton said, “It’s fun, but if you’re gonna play, you always want to win.” 

“We kind of got our butts kicked this morning, so we were in the mood to improve,” said Stefanich. 

Kirby Mendes, the coach for Tennis Yukon through this summer, said he came up in April and “loved it ever since.” 

Mendes, from Toronto, said, “Everyone seems to be having a great time, some close matches, wide-spread matches, everything in-between.” 

Mendes added, “Everyone’s enjoying their tennis, which I love to see. It’s great to see the Juneau crowd. They’re all lovely people. 

“I love tournaments like this where the community comes out and everyone has a good time.” 

Whitehorse ended up winning the tournament 144-108. 

GOOD START – Minnesota's Stephanie Stefanich takes part in a doubles match with Steve Hamilton against Whitehorse's Stacy Lewis and Mohammad Indrees on Saturday at Mount McIntyre. Stefanich has only been playing tennis for a year but made some good shots in the Americans' victory. (Morris Prokop / The Yukon Star)
GOOD START – Minnesota’s Stephanie Stefanich takes part in a doubles match with Steve Hamilton against Whitehorse’s Stacy Lewis and Mohammad Indrees on Saturday at Mount McIntyre. Stefanich has only been playing tennis for a year but made some good shots in the Americans’ victory. (Morris Prokop / The Yukon Star)

Morris Prokop

Morris Prokop, Sports Editor, has held a variety of media jobs spanning a 23-year career.

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