They came, they saw, and they hit the ball. That's our USTA Adult Tennis League. Believe me, some of these players really hit the ball. Here's the rundown of the current standings:

Women's 2.5: In first place is Mary Curie's team out of Highland Country Club, followed by an independent team under captain Janice Pabon. In third place is another Highland team led by captain Carolyn Pleasant.

Women's 3.0: In a close race for first place are two teams from the Lawn and Tennis Club. Tina Fasolak's team is followed closely by Pam Roscoe's ladies. Those two teams are trailed ever so closely by Caroline Garber and her ladies from Highland Country Club.

Women's 3.5: In first place is Muriel Roux's team from Highland. Just behind that squad is a Lawn and Tennis team under Carolyn Velevis. Holding down third place is an independent team directed by Mary Bowman.

Women's 4.0: Out to a strong lead is captain Jennifer Bullis' team from Lawn and Tennis, followed by Laura Powers and her Dark Branch team. Close behind is another Lawn and Tennis team under captain Elaine Van Vliet.

Women's 4.5: This is "big girl tennis" with two teams from Highland Country Club dueling it out for bragging rights. Brooke Johnson's team is just ahead of Lisa Thompson and her team.

Men's 3.5: Doug Hedges' team out of Mazarick Tennis Center is off and running with a fast lead over Stephen Brown's squad from Dark Branch. Jim Polakof's team from Lawn and Tennis is third.

Men's 4.0: Alan Terry and his Lawn and Tennis team have a good lead in this division (4-0 record), followed in second by an independent team under Malcolm Harris. Holding down the third spot is another independent team with Gene Autry as captain.

Men's 4.5: This level could be called "life in the fast lane." David Allen's team out of Lawn and Tennis has the lead followed by Keith Warbington and his team from National.

So you can see, there is lot's of good tennis going on. Next time I'll fill you in on how the three local teams faired in the Southern Sectional Championships for the Super Seniors.

Hopefully you will find out who these people are and what makes them play this game so passionately to go all the way to Columbus, Ga., for four days of tennis. I'll also catch you up on how your favorite USTA Senior team is doing.

It's also not too early to think about the summer camp programs that the local clubs sponsor. Let's get the kids out there and teach them this great sport and maybe, just maybe, the parents will get involved too -- they won't be sorry if they do. Just pick up the phone and call any of the local clubs to find out how to get the kids involved in the game.

Well, sports fans, it's time for me to go. I'm suppose to be on the court in half an hour. You can bet that I'll "keep hittin' that little yellow ball."

See ya on the courts!