Pond View (RI), led by captain Angelo DiSpirito, got by Lauren Moretti's Manchester (MA) Blue. The 8.0 Nationals are also in Tucson Nov. 18-20.
Nationals will be old hat for DiSpirito, who will be making his fourth trip since he began playing USTA leagues in 2005.
"I think the moral of my story is that anyone has a chance to qualify for Nationals, with the right team chemistry" DiSpirito said. "I'm not a great player, but I think I'm a pretty good captain. It's exciting to me to be able to take players (to Nationals) who have never had that experience - and, it's a great experience, one to be cherished since the National pool is over 350,000 players to begin this journey. One team stands at the end"
Pond View was a definite underdog - even before the Sectional event began.
"We were the last wildcard team to get invited," DiSpirito said. "We had a decent season and did OK at Districts, but didn't win. Then, when we got to Sectionals, just about every match seemed to come down to a Coman tie-breaker. It could have just as easily been reversed a number of times and we wouldn't be going to Nationals. I am very proud of all my players who worked very hard to win and go to Nationals".
The 6.0 team from Paxton (MA) Gold, captained by Neil Jyringi, outlasted Newburyport Red and captain Cindy Conley. The 6.0 Nationals will be held in Tucson, AZ in Nov. 18-20.
Rhode Island's Rally Point (captained by Hope Curry) beat Adam Molda's Cedardale (MA) Blue in 7.0 competition. The 7.0 Nationals are Nov. 11-13 in Tucson.
In 9.0 action, Molda's Cedardale team placed first ahead of Trudy Meyer's Body Shots(CT). The 9.0 Nationals take place Nov. 11-13 in Tucson.