The score in this game was 0-15 to them.

She missed. Nevermind; now it was 15-15. All she needed was another 3 points and they’d be through to the final. Even though it was against the opposing teams serve. Flashlight photography was being used in the audience, it went off in the eyes of Maria Santiago; her opponent and she bungled the shot.

15-30. All those weeks of practice, weeks of sacrifice.

Now it was John Frederico’s serve to her teammate Josh. He served a poor shot but Josh missed. She glared @ him, ’how could you miss that?’

Now it was 30-30

And Maria’s serve to her. It was a good shot but Tina returned it skillfully on the line, chalk flying it was so close.

30-40.

Match point.

She just prayed Josh could play better than the last debacle. He couldn’t, the ball went flying past him, a blur of energy mocking his attempt @ returning it.

Deuce. The game could go on forever technically, but Tina couldn’t, she was exhausted mentally and physically @ playing peak tennis for over 2 hours.

It was Maria’s serve again, it was a wonderful perfect ace.

It was now 2 sets all, 6 games each and their turn to serve. They had to hold their serve to stay in the game. Tina thought of all the hours and weeks she had put into this tournament, she’d like to be a good sport and say it’d be worth it to get to the semifinals but it wouldn’t, she wanted to win. She could taste success, she longed for it. She couldn’t live with herself if she lost this game.

Josh took the 1^st serve, but suprisingly he pulled back and recoiled in pain, collapsing on the clay court; clutching his thigh; ‘ouch’ he cried out.

Medical staff came to his attention and said he had pulled a hamstring and couldn’t be able to finish the game.

John and Maria, the opposing Spanish team won on default. Tina shook hands with her opponents; forcing a smile but feeling crushed. This was to be her year, she was @ the peak of fitness.

She didn’t know how she would return after this.

She got changed, then when she was ready decided to see how Josh was, she walked over to the resting bay but John was already there. Something stopped her from entering the bay. She could overhear what they were saying to eachother

‘Thanks for pulling that stunt Josh, it means a lot for us to get into the final.

She could see him pull a wad of notes out of his pocket.

‘But how did you get the medical staff on side?’ Josh asked John. 'Aha, this stuff goes a long way, believe you me’ he laughed; waving the notes in the air.

Tina stood there. She had worked too hard to let Josh sabotage her honest efforts. Now she just had to work out what to do. She walked away hoping she would not be seen
WENDY 10-3-00