Austin, TX, WPH Press, 7/16/23
The University of Texas Handball Team was proud to present the 2023 Longhorn Classic on the third weekend in July at UT’s Gregory Gym, featuring more than three dozen players from across the Lone Star State.
Men’s Open Singles
Top-seeded and current national champion Adam “Weekend at Bernie’s” Bernhard cruised to the final in the upper bracket and met fellow Texan Holden Smith in Sunday’s final.
“The Men’s Open saw what’s become a familiar matchup between Adam Bernhard and Holden Smith,” stated UT handball ambassador and WPH correspondent Kristen Hughes. “Both players seemed to be favoring defensive wrap-around shots until they could find an offensive opportunity to end the rally. Holden had some great power serves that cracked out on the side wall at critical points in game two to force a breaker. Although Adam has always come out on top, they have gone to breaker a few times previously.”
Semifinals
Bernhard def Frank 21-3, 21-4
Smith def S. Chien 21-6, 21-2
Final: Bernhard def Smith 21-10, 18-21, 11-1
Women’s Open Singles
Kristen Hughes advanced to the final in the women’s open upper bracket to meet her familiar finals foe and frequent Austin sparring partner Avery Shepherd in Sunday’s final.
“Avery and I are very familiar with each other’s games from playing together so much over the years,” stated Hughes. “Avery has perfected cutting off the z-serve I typically rely on, leaving me unable to find an effective serve throughout the match. She was taking advantage of my overhit ceiling shots by dropping the ball into the corners. I focused on passing with powerful drives down either side.”
Semifinals
Hughes def Bowman 21-11, 21-15
Shepherd def Behne 21-1, 21-11
Final: Hughes def Shepherd 21-9, 21-11
Photos and report courtesy of Kristen Hughes.
Thank you to 2023 Longhorn Classic tournament director Noel Aguilar and the University of Texas Handball Team for an outstanding mid-summer event.
Follow all of the brackets from the 2023 Longhorn Classic HERE
Follow the University of Texas Handball Team on Facebook HERE
David Fink
WPH Senior Writer