| REQUIRED: | Appeal – Tricia Montague (Currently APPL Index 3.96)
Performance Summary (Women’s 50+ 3.5 East Valley):
• Sets played: 24
• Sets won: 17/24 (71% win rate)
Match Performance (Points achieved, calculated from points won vs. opponent’s points):
• Match 1: 11/12 points
• Match 2: 8/12 points
• Match 3: -3/12 points
• Match 4: 9/12 points
(Note: Matches were not all played with the same partner.)
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Availability and Commitment
Due to a demanding work schedule during the 2025 season, I was only able to play in 4 matches. This limited my opportunities to demonstrate my level of play. I was also unable to participate in mixed doubles at the 4.0 level with my husband, Rick Montague (recently moved from 4.0 to 4.5). Additionally, I would have subbed for the women’s 4.0 team had my schedule allowed.
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Comparison with Teammates
A teammate from the same 3.5 women’s team played 6 matches, winning 23/36 sets (64% win rate). She was moved to a 4.0. Her starting index was similar to mine, yet my results were stronger (71%). While she also played mixed doubles at 3.5 with a 74% win rate, I believe my mixed results at 4.0 would have been comparable or stronger given the chance to compete with Rick (my husband).
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Supporting Evidence
I firmly believe that had I been able to play mixed doubles at 4.0 with Rick, or subbed at the women’s 4.0 level, my index today would already reflect a 4.0. This belief is supported by our community competitive experience, where Rick and I played socially with the 2025 50+ 4.0 Trilogy mixed team. That team finished in joint first place, and we certainly were at a comparative level.
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Second-Level Appeal
I also wish to appeal for an exception to the new rule that would restrict me to only playing on a 4.0 team.
Rationale:
1. Community Context: Trilogy Verde River faces limited player availability, especially at the 4.5 level, due to most opposing teams being located an hour away.
2. Player Pool: The strongest female player available for 4.5 (aside from one existing 4.5) is a 4.1. My current rating of 3.96 is close, making me the logical addition, especially since I play with my spouse.
3. Team Formation: We currently have three 4.5-rated players in the Trilogy Verde River community (2 men, 1 woman) seeking to form a mixed 4.5 team. With my participation, we would have the necessary roster to create a viable 4.5 mixed team for APPL.
4. New 65+ ruling: with the recent change to add multiple exceptions and ANY level to a 65+ team, it would seem like a reasonable request to grant this appeal, especially in consideration of points 3 and 5 listed here.
5. Consistency with APPL Goals: Granting this exception supports APPL’s mission of “Community, Convenience, and Competition.” This adjustment would not artificially strengthen a team but rather ensure that our Trilogy Verde River community can field competitive teams and allow our top players to continue participating in APPL.
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Closing Statement
I respectfully request that this appeal be granted, recognizing both my performance and the broader needs of our community. Allowing this exception is consistent with APPL’s values and ensures opportunities for players at all levels to compete.
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