THE summer of 2023 has been nothing short of exceptional for the women's tennis teams at Andover Lawn Tennis Club (ALTC).

ALTC fielded three women's teams this summer.

The highlight of the season came as ALTC's women's team clinched the top spot in Division 3b of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight summer doubles league, securing a promotion to Division 2 for the upcoming summer season. They had a 75 per cent win rate.

Jennie Pope, Ros Hursell, Flavia Zamfir, Elena Clarke, Martha Folkes, and Claire Reid were part of the team.

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The enthusiasm extended to ALTC's Over 50s women's team, which witnessed remarkable performances during the season. Christine Pickford, Sophie Annett, Jane Laborda, Jenny Mears, Jules Ursell, and Laura Cook were among the standout players.

When competing at home, the first pair remained undefeated, while the second couple displayed incredible prowess by winning all their matches against their counterparts.

They have been promoted to Division 1 for the next summer season. Sophie Annett, who captained the team, was hailed for her leadership and the team's overall performance.

In the fiercely competitive Division 1 of the Basingstoke women's doubles league, the Andover women's team engaged in thrilling contests throughout the summer.

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Facing formidable opponents such as Preston Candover (the eventual winners), Goodworth Clatford, Old Basing, Odiham, and Riseley, ALTC's women performed well.

With a string of victories, the team's overall performance was outstanding, with only one match slipping through their grasp. The contributions of talented players like Flavia Zamfir and Maria Sharova were particularly noteworthy.

ALTC is planning to expand the number of women's teams for the upcoming summer season in 2024.