Roberts and Horne Garner GBC Title

For the second straight year, the dynamic duo of Martha Roberts and Bob Horne teamed up to win the class A division of the Greater Boston Mixed Doubles Championships hosted by Harvard yesterday at the Soldier's Field complex.

Playing in the windless confines of the ITT, the Horne-Roberts tandem defended their title with straight-set victories over Tufts, 6-3, 6-1, in the semifinals before acing Boston College in the finals, 6-2, 6-3.

"The teams were far stronger than last year," Roberts said afterwards. "The scores really did not indicate it though. I guess it's because we're old hands at it now."

Misfortunes

In the other two divisions, the other Harvard entrants were not as fortunate. Playing in the B division, Abby Meiselman anbd John Bridgeland fell to the eventual champs from B.C., 3-6, 3-6. In the C division, the Harvard duo of Tory Kiam and Debbie Kalish dropped another semifinal match to Boston University, 7-6, 2-6, 2-6.

Because of the draw, the B and C groupings were forced to play outdoors on the gusty Soldiers Field courts where the unpredictable wind took its toll.

"We've been playing a lot indoors lately because its been so windy. That was most of our problem." Harvard coach Peter Felske said yesterday. "We just weren't used to it."

Calling this tournament "more of a fun, social thing," rather than a win for the season record, Felske voiced optimism about continuing the Harvard-hosted tournament. Felske said he felt the tournament offered a beneficial opportunity for the men's and women's programs to work together.

Co-champion Roberts concurred: "Mixed doubles is such a riot. It's the only time the guys and girls get to do anything together. There is not that pressure to win. It's more of a culture thing."