LUDLOW, MA - As he stood across the net from his opponents during a doubles match, Rick Turek did some quick math and realized that he was 18 years older than the combined age of the two guys on the other side.
In this particular match, experience won out.
That victory was just one of 33 for the Ludlow Tennis Club-based 3.5 men's team No Return during the USTA New England League District and Section Championships, and helped the team punch its ticket to the Nationals in Tucson, AZ Oct. 14-16.
Turek, 66, has been playing tennis for more than 50 years and League tennis for 15, will be making his first trip to Nationals, as will each member of No return, which has been captained by Turek for the last six years.
"We had some pretty good teams over the years," Turek said. "We've made a few trips to the districts, but never advanced, including last year."
Turek isn't exactly sure what "clicked" for his team this season, but believes that the addition of some new players and the ever-improving play of the core players was a huge factor.
"It's strange to think that as we've gotten older, we've become better players," joked Turek, who played softball and basketball competitively into his 50s. "Just one example is Bo Kowlaksim, our No. 2 singles player. A few years ago, he had a hard time winning and to this point this year, he hasn't lost a match."
No Return faced stiff competition locally, so Turek bevies his team was tested before district play began.
The team has seemingly gotten better as the season has gone on, amassing a combined 33-2 match record in the district and section championships.
"Everyone is very excited to be going out to Tucson," Turek said. "It's the first trip to Nationals for all of us. "Our feeling going out there is that every competition has to have a winner. Why not us?"