Day 1 Sectionals - 4.0+

Rough day for the Arkansas Men down in Mobile.
4.0 Division: Byron Cato
They are 1-1 in Pool play splitting a pair of 3-2 matches. Defeated KY and lost to AL
Will be tough to win this pool as LA has been rolling 10-0 after two matches. Appears AL came down to #1 Singles with Cato losing in a MTB and what IMO appears to be a sacrifice at #1D. Also surprised to see Hudson lose at #2 singles. KY match appears Cato and Hudson flipped spots and both won in straights and then got a good win at #2D

4.5 Division: Gary Jones
With only 8 players it was going to be tough but give Gary credit his team could easily be sitting at 2-0 in play rather than 0-2. Dropped a 3-2 decision to AL(B)two tough 3 setters at #2-3 doubles. Edens and Jones\Ross provided the 2 wins in straights. KY match picked up wins at #2-3 Doubles and lost a tough singles at #1 in MTB. So MTB goes differently Gary and Company could easily be sitting at the top. Can not find any fault with Gary on this one just tough breaks. AR 4.5 was weird this year and please correct but there were no strong singles players that survived DQ's and that hurts as one gets to sectionals. Nothing against Edens and Hudson as they are both very good.

5.0 Men: Jake Shoemake
Must feel like groundhog day for Jake and Company. Last year did not have the services of Stone and Pacheco due to 5.5 commitments, this year he was without Riabuchin due to prior engagement. So after day 1 they sit 1-1. Started off with a 2-1 win over AL with wins at singles and #2 doubles, I think we all can assume Luke will be a 5.0 next year, nice win for Stone. Next match turned into 3-0 loss to KY. Ewbank lost in 3 sets, Jake and Jeff lost 2 tight sets, and Luke and Dominick retired up a set, hoping it is not an injury. Would Denis have made a difference?? Who knows I personally feel he is the best player Jake had on his team, but I think 2012 will be the same and we will see Jake cruise across AR and be back for another crack.

Good luck to all three teams on Friday.

As for the ladies:
4.0 1-1 in pool play
4.5 2-0 in pool play tied with SC