Nationals Feature
McHale Sweeps Final Girls' 18 Nationals in Berkeley
by Marcia Frost, 21 August 2009
After eight days of unusually warm sunshine, the Girls' 18 Nationals ended with the first sweep in nine years. Third-seeded Christina McHale was the victor and her ride to the winners' circle wasn't even very bumpy.
The final match was anti-climatic after a week full of three-setters and upsets. But that wasn't the case for New Jersey's McHale, who didn't face her first long match until she met fellow Easterner
Gail Brodsky in the semifinals. Second-seeded Brodsky had a chance to become the first player since Laura Granville (1998-99) to repeat as champion, but it wasn't to be after McHale's 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 win.
Brodsky did leave the tournament with a bronze ball after defeating No. 8 Beatrice Capra in the playoff in straight sets. The 18-year-old professional also walked away with a fourth place trophy for doubles after she and Kaitlyn Christian dropped that match to Lauren Embree and partner Allie Will, who are just about to start play together at the University of Florida.
