Anne Williams
Thirty-two members from the SaddleBrooke Tennis Club (STC) participated in the 2025 Battle for the Saddle against SaddleBrooke Ranch Tennis Club. After a disappointing loss in the first two years of this battle, SaddleBrooke finally pulled it off and has the beautiful trophy in our possession.
On Monday, Feb 24, the Men’s Doubles matches took place on the courts at the Ranch. SaddleBrooke ended that day with a 3-1 lead against the Ranch and felt hopeful. The matches were strong—great tennis and very much fun for the fans to watch!
On Tuesday, Feb. 25, the Women’s Doubles teams took to the courts and gave our friends from the Ranch a good showing. SaddleBrooke won four of the nine matches, ending that day with a one-point lead (7-6).
On Wednesday, Feb. 26, the battle came down to Mixed Doubles. There were seven matches, and SaddleBrooke needed four to win the tournament. Our teams came through like champs, winning five of the seven matches. The final score was SaddleBrooke 12, SaddleBrooke Ranch 8. Thus, the joy of winning!
Three POP players participated in exhibition matches on Monday and Tuesday.
The weather was Arizona-perfect, and the Ranch friends were awesome hosts. They greeted STC players with grace, they played with grace, and they turned the trophy over with grace.
On Wednesday evening, seven people from SaddleBrooke joined more than 50 friends from the Ranch at a western-themed dinner/dance to culminate the tournament. The ballroom at the Ranch was festive, and everyone joyfully celebrated in their finest western attire.
Hosting the 2026 Battle for the Saddle will be “in our court” (pun intended).