Geezer Tournament debuts in Laguna Woods

LW BOCCE BALL CLUB

The Senior vs. Senior Inaugural Geezer Tournament drew 16 members of the Leisure World Bocce Ball Club to Laguna Woods on May 29 to play against members of the Laguna Woods Bocce Social Club. Laguna Woods did a great job setting up the bocce center for the tournament. They greeted the players with a lunch of pizza, sandwiches, chips, cookies and an assortment of drinks. After a wonderful lunch, it was time to play bocce.

The Laguna Woods bocce facility is impressive. There are three bocce courts with plenty of shaded seating. The courts played very fast, giving the home team the expected advantage. However, the Seal Beach players were quick studies and adapted to the court conditions quickly. In one of the last matches of the day, Laura Garcia played against their five-time club champion. Laguna Woods was ahead 6-5. Garcia had one ball left to play. She sized up the shot, then made her throw. She made an amazing shot, knocking the other team’s balls out of the way and scored the point, tying the game. In the tiebreaker frame, Peggy Lynch threw the winning point. In the last game of the day, Valerie Strong and Lilly Hughes scored the final win for Seal Beach with an impressive 7-0 score. After 16 games, Laguna Woods won the overall tournament, 9-7. Both teams played outstanding games. Everyone had a great time playing competitive matches, making new friends, and enjoying the warm sunshine on a beautiful day.

Hats off to the Laguna Woods club for setting up the tournament and their warm hospitality. Their friendliness and sportsmanship were unparalleled. The club looks forward to a rematch.

—Dennis Noethens

Geezers gathered for the first annual tournament in Laguna Woods on May 29.