NATCHEZ — Over 100 tennis players took the courts of Duncan Park and Beau Pré Saturday for Day 2 of the 32nd annual Natchez Community Cancer Tennis Tournament.

The players played through the heat and whittled the field down to the semi-finals and the finals in each of the 10 tournament brackets, co-chairperson of the tournament Noreen Pyron said.

“Today went fine,” Pyron said. “As we knew (coming in) we would have several people playing two events so that bogged down (play a little). There is good competition and a lot of matches went into third-set tie breaks, so that has us behind, but we’re trying to wind it up.”

Play was also slowed by Friday night’s thunderstorm.

Pyron said the players did not have too much trouble battling the heat.

“It was a hot day but none of the players needed assistance,” she said.

Pyron played two matches herself Saturday, losing her morning match with partner Jane Opperman 6-4, 4-6, 0-1, but winning her second match 6-1, 6-2 to advance to the semi-finals of the Women’s Doubles 4.0 division consolation tournament.

One of those players that participated in multiple events was Natchez native Joe Garrity.

“This is an outstanding tournament, but they need to turn the (air conditioning) on,” Garrity said.

Garrity participated in the 7.0 mixed doubles tournament with partner Lisa Dale, as well as the 3.5 men’s doubles tournament with partner Chris Labure. He said he struggled on day one Friday, losing both matches. But rebounded on day two to make the men’s consolation finals.

Garrity said he has attended the tournament for approximately 10-12 years.

“I come because it supports cancer research, and I like playing tennis,” Garrity said. “I play in a men’s league and a lot of our guys are going to state so we came out here to get used to the heat.”

This is a fun tournament, when you play with these people it’s like playing with your friends. You want to win and play hard, but it’s not all serious.”

One of the finalists on the women’s side is the team of Meleé Gautreau and Paula Eddy from Baton Rouge.

“(We played) a good match,” Gautreau said as she came off the court after her semi-final victory. “The heat was a factor, I’m not sure anybody can play their best game (Saturday).”

It was more a matter of who was going to get the last ball, that one extra ball won the point.”

Gautreau said she plans on being ready to go tomorrow.

“(Tomorrow) we can come back refreshed and with more energy,” she said.

Today’s action will begin at approximately 9 a.m. and will go until all the tournaments are completed at approximately 1-2 p.m., Pyron said.