TEAMTENNIS : Connors’ Serves Lead Strings Past Dukes, 27-18

Led by the strong service game of Jimmy Connors, the Los Angeles Strings defeated the Newport Beach Dukes, 27-18, at the Forum Sunday evening.

The Strings fell behind after the first set when the doubles team of Robin White and Mary Lou Daniels was defeated by Elise Burgin and Amy Frazier, 6-3.

Frazier was a replacement for Manon Bollegraf, who is representing the Netherlands in the Federation Cup.

In the second set, the Strings rallied behind Daniels as she beat Burgin, 6-2.

Then it was time for Connors. Never losing more than two points on his serve all evening, Connors teamed with John Lloyd to defeat Tim Pawsat and U.S. Davis Cup member Rick Leach, 6-3. Then Connors won his men’s singles match over Pawsat, 6-4.

“We got off to a shaky start, but fortunately we took the lead in the second set,” Connors said. “I started hitting my passing shot midway through my set and my service game was strong all night.”

In the final match of the evening, Lloyd and White defeated Pawsat and Burgin, 6-3.

“It’s always nice to play in front of the home crowd,” Connors said. “This is a league for the fans, and I enjoy joking around with them.”