TeamTennis : Buds Remain Perfect at Home

SAN DIEGO — Even though they haven’t played in front of what one could call large, supportive crowds at the Sports Arena, there must be something to the San Diego Buds’ home-court advantage.

Playing in front of an average of only 647 fans per match during their initial season and 492 on Wednesday night, the Buds won their sixth match without a loss at home, 27-17, over the first-place St. Louis Slims.

San Diego (8-4) climbed over Oakland (7-4) into second place in the TeamTennis league with the win, and trail the Slims (9-4) by a half-game.

“Normally, the reason we do well at home is because we have the practice time,” said Larry Willens, Bud coach. “But, tonight the reason was because we were so fired up to beat St. Louis. We felt they had no business beating us the first time (24-23 in St. Louis) and we were really up for them this time around.”

The Slims had won four straight coming into Wednesday night’s match, but never had a chance to extend the streak.

San Diego opened a 12-7 lead after the women’s singles and doubles matches, then put the match out of reach when Todd Nelson and Butch Walts combined for a 6-2 men’s doubles victory over Terry Moor and John Mattke, the league’s top-ranked duo.