Murphys, CA…Ping pong and tennis enthusiasts will share the spotlight when the Murphys Area Community Tennis Association (MACTA) stages a double-barreled event at the group’s Wintercreek Facility and the adjacent Lions Club Hall on Saturday, March 5, starting at 9 a.m. Both facilities are located behind the historic schoolhouse on Jones St. in Murphys. Pongfest ’16, a ping pong tournament open to everyone, will take place in the Lions Club Hall. A doubles round robin will be held in the morning with singles and consolation brackets in the afternoon. Interested players should sign up by contacting tournament organizer Jim Triolo, 795-3183, mario22@prodigy.net. Participation is limited to 40 players so early registration is advised.

On the day of the event, participants will begin check in at 9 a.m. and pay the $20 donation entry fee. While Pongfest is in progress, 24 women who are regular users of Murphys’ premiere courts will engage in the third annual Ladies Tennis Invitational. Organized by Angella Woods, the participants are each paying a $20 entrance fee to help with the fundraising. Some preliminary matches will be played at Bret Harte High School. For further information contact Woods at 728-2497.

Everyone is invited to come and cheer on the competitors. There is no admission charge to watch. During the noon hour, chili, hot dogs and beer will be available for purchase.

This multi-faceted event is being staged as a fundraiser to help MACTA maintain and improve the heavily used courts. The current project is to improve the facility’s barbecue area.

MACTA is a recognized non-profit organization formed in the autumn of 2010 to channel the interests and efforts of the many tennis players in the greater Murphys area. It is a community tennis association affiliated with the United States Tennis Association (USTA).

MACTA is designed to welcome tennis players of all ages and all skill levels. Anyone wishing to join can do so by making an annual donation of at least $25. Contributions can be sent to PO Box 344, Murphys CA 95247. For further information, MACTA President David Bowman can be reached at dbowman@goldrush.com.

####