Underdogs, siblings, and steady hands: the road to the double’s final in Edmond

At 12:00 PM CDT today, the Edmond Center Court will host the culminating match of the 2025 ITF World Tennis Tour Edmond Open W100: #3 seed Marina Stakusic of Canada faces Elizabeth “Elli” Mandlik of the United States. Reaching the finals of a W100 event is a tremendous accomplishment. These players have navigated a week of high-level opposition and pressure to stake their claim for the title, ranking points, and confidence. Here is a closer look at their respective journeys and backstories heading into this deciding showdown. Marina Stakusic: Canada’s rising prospect Early life and rise Marina Stakusic (often seen in some sources as “Marina,” though some references use “Marina / Marina” variation) was born on November 27, 2004, in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. She began playing tennis at age Her father is Montenegrin-born (emigrating to Canada in his mid-20s) and her mother is Canadian-born to Serbian immigrant parents; her brother Marko is also a professional player. As a junior, she achieved a combined ranking as high as No. 31. Over recent seasons she has been steadily pushing upward through the ITF circuit and on the fringes of the WTA Tour. Career highlights to date Stakusic’s career-high WTA singles ranking is No. 114 (reached February 24, 2025). She also holds a doubles high of 448 (August 2023) though her focus has clearly been on singles. In 2023, she contributed to Canada’s Billie Jean King Cup victory (in the final, helping defeat Martina Trevisan in a tie) as a team member. On the WTA Tour level, she has already made waves: in Guadalajara 2024, she upset Jelena Ostapenko in a dramatic match, saving several match points and winning the final nine points to reach her first WTA quarterfinal. She also captured a WTA Challenger (125-level) title in Tampico in late 2024. The challenge of a W100 final For Stakusic, being seeded third here means expectations are high, as is the pressure. A W100 is among the more prestigious ITF events, just one tier below the WTA 125 tournaments, and carries big ranking points. To reach the final, she would have had to defeat a mix of seasoned ITF stalwarts and younger up-and-comers, likely under varied conditions. The alteration in match intensity, the cumulative fatigue of several tight matches, and the mental demand of sustaining focus are all elevated at this level. For a 20-year-old rising star, this final is both an opportunity and a test. Elizabeth Mandlik: forging her own legacy Tennis lineage and early path Elizabeth Hana Mandlik was born May 19, 2001, in Boca Raton, Florida. She is the daughter of Grand Slam champion Hana Mandlíková and the granddaughter of Olympic sprinter Vilém Mandlík. Growing up in such a tennis-oriented family brings both opportunities and expectations. Mandlik began playing tennis at age 7, under guidance that aimed to balance development with longevity, her mother reportedly delayed pushing her too early to avoid burnout. Competitive resume and milestones Mandlik’s highest singles ranking to date is No. 97 (achieved June 19, 2023), while her best doubles ranking is No. 187 (November 2022). She has won eight singles titles and three doubles titles on the ITF circuit. Her journey into the WTA Tour spotlight includes a breakthrough in 2022 at the Silicon Valley Classic, when qualifying into the main draw, she defeated Alison Riske-Amritraj before pushing world No. 4 Paula Badosa to a third-set tiebreak. That performance earned her a surge in ranking and attention. She also successfully completed the US Open Wildcard Challenge to gain entry into the US Open, where she won her first-round match versus Tamara Zidanšek and fell in the second round to eventual finalist Ons Jabeur. In 2023 she reached her first WTA 125 final (Catalonia Open) but was edged out in a tight three-set match by Sorana Cîrstea. More broadly, she has made steady inroads through the ITF ranks, often navigating qualifying rounds and seizing momentum when opportunities arise. Unlike many players with bit early success, Mandlik carries the additional narrative of building her own identity beyond her mother’s legacy. While the name opens doors, it also brings scrutiny, a fact she has acknowledged in interviews. Why a W100 final matters A W100 final is a proving ground for players like Mandlik who are striving to convert ITF dominance and occasional WTA breakthroughs into sustained presence at higher levels. To reach the final, she has had to overcome multiple opponents who are often battle-hardened in $25k, $60k, $80k, and $100k events. Each match demands mental toughness, tactical adjustments, and recovery skills across successive days. For Mandlik especially, this is also a statement: she is capable of challenging top seeds and vying for the biggest ITF titles. Preview: What today’s final might bring Today’s Singles Finals pits a rising young star (Stakusic) bursting with momentum and upset potential against a more experienced, gritty competitor (Mandlik) familiar with adversity and expectations. Stakusic will bring fearlessness and big hitting from the baseline, while Mandlik’s steadiness and match awareness could be her assets under pressure. Fatigue, nerves, and small tactical shifts (serve placement, second-serve resilience, break-point conversion) will all loom large. For both players, the stakes are high: the winner will take not only the trophy and prize money, but valuable ranking points that could propel them deeper into WTA-level events. Even for the runner-up, making the final of a W100 is a signal that she belongs among the upper tier of the ITF circuit and is knocking on the door of consistent WTA contention. As the noon hour approaches at Edmond Center Court, tennis fans can expect a spirited, high-quality battle, one that reflects the depth, grit, and potential of these two young women striving for prominence on the international stage.

Day 4 Recap – OKTF Edmond Open W100 Thursday at Edmond Center Court delivered another full slate of action as the Oklahoma Tennis Foundation Pro Series continued to showcase world-class talent. On Court 2, Canada’s Katherine Sebov powered past Malaika Rapolu in straight sets, while Australia’s Olivia Gadecki impressed with a dominant win over No. 8 seed Viktoria Hrunčáková. Later, Gadecki doubled up her success with a doubles win alongside partner Olivia Lincer over the Corley sisters . On Court 3, Canada’s Marina Stakusic , the No. 3 seed, advanced past Mary Stoiana in convincing fashion. Veteran American Madison Brengle also moved on with a commanding victory, while No. 5 seed I ryna Shymanovich overcame Akli in straight sets. The day closed with a thriller, as top seed Renata Zarazúa of Mexico rallied past Kayla Day 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 to book her spot in the quarterfinals. On Court 4, Canadian Cadence Brace (6) defeated Dana Guzmán of Peru, while Elizabeth Mandlik took out Jessica Pareja in straight sets. In doubles action, the pairs of Osborne/Rencheli and Rogers/Hewitt both advanced after hard-fought quarterfinals. The mix of rising stars and seasoned competitors kept fans on the edge of their seats, with momentum swings and high-quality rallies defining the day. Today’s Featured Action – Friday, October 10 Play resumes today at noon at Edmond Center Court, highlighted by a must-see quarterfinal showdown: Featured Match – Court 3 🇲🇽 Renata Zarazúa [1] vs. Iryna Shymanovich [5] The No. 1 seed from Mexico faces the No. 5 seed from Belarus in a clash that promises baseline intensity and tactical shot-making. Zarazúa brings consistency and experience, while Shymanovich’s aggressive play and recent form set up a compelling battle for a semifinal spot. Special Day/Night at the Edmond Open NJTL Staff Appreciation Day & Academy Night Free entry for NJTL staff and academy participants. Free entry for fans 18 and under. General admission tickets are just $25, with all proceeds benefiting the Oklahoma Tennis Foundation and its mission to impact lives through tennis and education. Grab your tickets here: www.oktfproseries.com/oktfpstickets

Wednesday’s play at the Edmond Open W100 delivered high-level action and breakout performances, led by rising American star Julieta Pareja, who stunned No. 2 seed Petra Marcinko in a gritty three-set battle, 2-6, 6-2, 6-4. Currently the world’s No. 1 junior, Pareja continues to make her mark in 2025, having already received wild cards into Indian Wells and the US Open. Also advancing was world No. 76 Renata Zarazua of Mexico, who cruised past Alayna Hewitt with a dominant 6-1, 6-3 win. Zarazua’s consistency and court craft proved too much for the American. Defending champion Mary Stoiana kept her title defense on track, defeating Evialina Laskevick 6-3, 6-3 in a composed and confident performance. Stoiana, who captured the Edmond Open W75 title in 2024, looks poised for another deep run. Thursday Night Matches Set to Light Up the Courts Thursday’s schedule is highlighted by two marquee night matches, both set to begin not before 6:00 p.m. Top seed Renata Zarazua (MEX) will return to the court to face American Kayla Day in a highly anticipated singles showdown. In doubles action, local favorites and tournament wild cards Gracie and Zoie Epps—who shocked the field with a win over the No. 2 seeds earlier this week—will take on the pair of Hewitt and Rogers under the lights, with strong local support expected. Morning and afternoon play will begin at 11:00am.

Women’s Singles – 1st Round Court 3: Evialina Laskevich (Belarus, Q) vs. Mary Stoiana (USA) Evialina Laskevich and Mary Stoiana face off in a compelling first-round contest. Laskevich, a native of Minsk, Belarus, has reached as high as No. 30 in the ITF junior rankings and holds WTA career-high rankings of No. 319 in singles and No. 317 in doubles. She looks to make her mark against Mary Stoiana, the 2024 winner of the Edmond Open W75. Mary has been fighting injury but has been on a strong upward trajectory with her powerful groundstrokes and competitive edge. With both players hungry to advance, fans can expect high-intensity rallies and plenty of drama as Stoiana aims to assert her status as an up-and-coming pro while Laskevich seeks the upset. Court 4: Ava Markham (USA, Q) vs. Kayla Day (USA, SR) This is an intriguing American vs American tussle between qualifier Ava Markham and special-ranking entrant Kayla Day. On paper, Kayla Day might have the edge given her higher ranking and larger resume and recent Templeton W75 Championship. However, Markham comes in riding the confidence of qualifying success and with nothing to lose. There’s no recorded head-to-head matchup between them, so this will be a fresh chess match. Expect Day to try to dictate with her baseline firepower, using her experience to take control early. Markham, meanwhile, will look to mix things up, use angles, and perhaps shorten points to avoid prolonged rallies where Day’s consistency could wear her down. The question: can Markham sustain enough pressure, and perhaps sneak in some unconventional patterns, to throw Day off her game? If Day is sharp from the start, she’ll likely close in straight sets, but Markham could very well make her earn every point. Court 2: Diletta Cherubini (ITA) vs. Dana Guzmán (PER) This International clash between Italy’s Diletta Cherubini and Peru’s Dana Guzmán features Cherubini strong baseline game and solid experience on the ITF Tour, while Guzmán, one of Peru’s rising stars, is eager to showcase her speed and aggressive shot-making on the hard courts. For Cherubini, this is an opportunity to lean on her tour experience and steady shot-making to dictate the pace early. Guzmán, on the other hand, will look to counter with quick transitions and fearless shot selection, eager to make a mark against a seasoned challenger. With both players hungry to advance, this opener promises to set an exciting tone for the day, showcasing the depth of international talent competing in Edmond. Court 1: Olivia Gadecki (AUS) vs. Tessah Andrianjafitrimo (FRA) One of the marquee matchups of the opening rounds features Australia’s Olivia Gadeck i taking on France’s Tessah Andrianjafitrimo in a compelling cross-continental clash. Gadecki, a rising star from Australia, has built a reputation on the ITF and WTA circuits as a powerful striker with the ability to dictate points behind her first serve and forehand. Known for her aggressive style and willingness to step inside the baseline, she thrives when she’s able to control tempo and shorten points. Her attacking instincts will be on full display in Edmond as she looks to make a deep run in the Pro Series’ first-ever $100K event. Across the net, Andrianjafitrimo brings a wealth of experience and resilience. Representing France, she is a consistent competitor with strong defensive skills and the ability to turn defense into offense when given the chance. Her court coverage and tactical approach could pose a unique challenge for Gadecki, forcing the Australian to construct points carefully and stay patient in rallies. This match sets up as a contrast of styles, Gadecki’s raw power and first-strike tennis against Andrianjafitrimo’s steadiness and counter-punching abilities. Fans at Edmond Center Court can expect long, tactical exchanges mixed with flashes of explosive shot-making. With both players eager to establish early momentum in the tournament, this clash has the makings of one of the day’s standout encounters. With international flair and homegrown talent on display, the opening round of the Edmond Open W100 promises a day full of energy, drama, and world-class tennis. With rising tennis stars representing Europe, South America, Belarus and Australia to several Americans, fans at Edmond Center Court will witness the diversity and depth that defines the Oklahoma Tennis Foundation Pro Series. It’s more than just early round action; it’s the beginning of a week where rising stars and seasoned competitors alike will battle for a prestigious title and the chance to make their mark in Oklahoma tennis history. 

Epps Sisters Shock No. 2 Seeds Day one of doubles play at the Oklahoma Tennis Foundation Pro Series Edmond Open W100 brought drama, surprises, and an unmistakable international flair. With players hailing from Australia, Canada, Mexico, Romania, Belarus, Russia, and the United States, Edmond Center Court was the setting for a global clash that saw the top two seeds bow out in their opening matches. Osborne & Rencheli Oust the Top Seeds Australia’s Alexandra Osborne and American Abigail Rencheli set the tone for the day with a major upset, toppling the No. 1 seeds Maria Kozyreva (RUS) and Iryna Shymanovich (BLR). Osborne and Rencheli played with fearless aggression, capturing a tight opening set before closing the door 7–6, 6–4. Their synergy and bold shot-making stunned the favorites and electrified the crowd. North American Duo Survives a Thriller In one of the day’s most tightly contested matches, Mary Lewis (USA) and Katherine Sebov (CAN) battled past Anastasia Gasanova (RUS) and Yuliya Hatouka (BLR). After splitting the first two sets, Lewis and Sebov found another gear in the match tiebreak, sealing the win 6–4, 3–6, [10–6]. Their victory highlighted the resilience of cross-border partnerships in high-stakes competition. Corley Sisters Deliver for Oklahoma The Edmond crowd had plenty to cheer about as hometown favorites Carmen and Ivana Corley (USA), the No. 3 seeds, fought through adversity against Ashley Lahey (USA) and Gabriela Lee (ROU). After dropping the second set, the Corleys rallied in front of their local supporters to clinch a 7–5, 1–6, [10–6] victory, keeping their title hopes alive and adding to the tournament’s local flavor. Epps Sisters Shock No. 2 Seeds The biggest storyline of the evening came when teenagers Gracie and Zoie Epps (USA) toppled the No. 2 seeds, Kayla Cross (CAN) and Renata Zarazua (MEX). Showing poise well beyond their years, the Epps sisters handled the pressure of the moment and took their chances, winning 7–5, 6–4. Their fearless play and youthful energy made them instant crowd favorites. A Global Stage in the Heart of Oklahoma With the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds eliminated on the very first day, the doubles draw has been thrown wide open. Teams from across continents are vying for the Edmond Open title, underscoring the event’s place as a true international showcase. For the fans at Edmond Center Court, Tuesday was a reminder of why the World Tennis Tour captivates: talent can come from anywhere, and every match is a chance for the unexpected. Watch the OKTF Edmond Open: https://www.itftennis.com/en/world-tennis-tour-live/ Daily Order of Play: https://www.oktfproseries.com/schedule-draw

The 2025 Edmond Open W100 is welcoming an impressively cosmopolitan field: players from 15 different countries have gained entry via direct acceptance, wildcards, or qualifying. Among them are names such as Renata Zarazúa (Mexico), Petra Marčinko (Croatia), Marina Stakusic (Canada), Iryna Shymanovich (Belarus), and Louisa Chirico (USA). That global reach is one of the hallmarks of the ITF World Tennis Tour, and Edmond, Oklahoma is poised this week to host a microcosm of the international women’s circuit. Today’s Highlights — Qualifiers, First Round, Doubles Qualifying & First Round Singles Marina Stakusic (Canada) made a confident start in the first round, disposing of Anna Rogers (USA) in straight sets, 6–2, 6–2. Louisa Chirico (USA) advanced after a solid performance over Malaika Rapolu (USA). Hanna Chang (USA) faced Ayana Akli (USA) in another match — a tighter affair through the first set. Elsewhere, Cadence Brace (Canada) was scheduled against Zoe Hammond, with results pending at press time. On the qualifying front, several players earned their way into the main draw. These qualifiers bring additional international depth to the tournament, expanding the roster beyond the direct-acceptance entries. Doubles Action The doubles draw also saw international pairings clash. Teams such as M. Kozyreva / I. Shymanovich and K. Cross / R. Zarazua were active during the day. Matches proceeded under pressure, especially in early rounds, where coordination among international duos is critical. What to Watch The international mix — with players hailing from Canada, Mexico, Croatia, Belarus, and beyond — means styles and strategies will collide in interesting ways. Early-round upsets are always possible in ITF events, and the qualifiers often bring hunger and unpredictability to the draw. Doubles teams with players from different countries may test chemistry and communication under match conditions.

On a crisp October morning in central Oklahoma, local tennis fans are keeping a close eye on one of their own. At the ITF W100 Edmond, OK (the OKTF Edmond Open) — the first-ever $100,000 women’s pro event in the state — Edmond native Zoe Hammond is set to take the court in the first round of the main draw. This is more than just a match; it’s a chance for Hammond to showcase her growth on a big stage in front of a hometown crowd. From Edmond to Lexington: A Tennis Journey Though she hails from Edmond, Oklahoma, Hammond’s high school years were spent at University of Missouri High School before her commitment to the University of Kentucky. During her time with the Wildcats, she has built a reputation both for her steady play and her academic excellence. In her junior season, Hammond posted a 16–10 singles record, earned All-SEC Second Team honors, and stood out in key matches — including wins over top-ranked opponents. Off the court, she also compiled perfect grades, becoming the Women’s Tennis SEC Scholar Athlete of the Year. Her academic credentials had already been recognized earlier, when she was named CSC Academic All-District as a sophomore. Hammond has also shown glimpses of stepping up in high-pressure moments. Earlier this year, during a match against Oklahoma in Norman, she delivered the only point for Kentucky — defeating a top-35 ranked player on court one. That win was a moment of local pride, as Oklahoma fans in attendance recognized her name. Her pathway to collegiate tennis was bolstered by strong performances in Universal Tennis events, which gave college coaches meaningful tape on her play. The Edmond W100: Stakes, Setting & Draw The Edmond tournament is historic in local tennis lore: the OKTF Edmond Open is the first women’s $100K professional tournament in Oklahoma. Held at Edmond Center Court — itself named the USTA National Facility of the Year — the weeklong event runs October 6–12 on outdoor hard courts. The singles draw features 32 main-draw slots and 32 qualifying slots, with the top players in the WTA / ITF rankings participating. Hammond, with a developing professional résumé, is among those wildcards or direct entrants with something to prove. Her first-round opponent is Cadence Brace, a more experienced player with higher professional rankings. Hammond enters as the underdog, but also as the hometown hopeful with crowd support. Victory wouldn’t just carry prize money or ranking points — it would validate the confidence placed in her by coaches, fans, and those who’ve followed her rise from Edmond to Lexington.  Why This Match Matters For Edmond, having a local player in a high-tier pro tournament is a rare spotlight. Locals have reason to rally behind Hammond: she’s the first in recent memory with roots in the area to compete in a tournament of this magnitude in her backyard. For Hammond herself, it’s a pivotal moment in her transition from collegiate athlete to pro contender. Wins here can open doors — not only financially and in ranking, but in reputation and belief. If she can push Brace, or even win, it would mark a milestone: from Edmond courts to the spotlight of international tennis. As the day turns to match time, the seats at Edmond Center Court will be filled not just with tennis fans, but with neighbors, coaches, family, and a community eager to cheer for their own.

The Edmond Open W100, part of the ITF World Tennis Tour , is showcasing some of the brightest rising stars in women’s tennis. Among them are sisters Gracie and Zoie Epps, whose paths through collegiate tennis have prepared them for this professional stage. A Family of Competitors Tennis has always been part of the Epps family identity, and now, with both sisters competing at the professional level, Edmond Center Court has become the latest chapter in their shared journey. Each sister brings her own distinct style of play and college pedigree, making their story a unique highlight of this year’s tournament. Gracie Epps: Cowgirl Consistency Gracie represents Oklahoma State Cowgirl Tennis, where she has built a reputation for her consistency and leadership on court. Known for her disciplined baseline game and ability to grind through long rallies, she’s contributed significantly to the Cowgirls’ presence in the Big 12 Conference. Her time at OSU has seen her develop into a player who thrives in high-pressure moments, often turning tight matches into statement wins. At Edmond, Gracie carries the confidence that comes from playing at one of the nation’s most competitive tennis programs, where she has faced many of the same international players now competing alongside her in the W100. Zoie Epps: Tech Tenacity Zoie, meanwhile, has carved her own identity at Louisiana Tech Athletics Women's Tennis, where her aggressive playing style and quick hands at the net have made her a standout in Conference USA. Her collegiate success has been marked by grit and determination, often taking on the toughest opponents and earning signature victories for the Lady Techsters. While Gracie’s game is built around patience, Zoie’s is defined by risk-taking and attacking play. That contrast has given fans a glimpse into how differently two sisters can approach the same sport while both excelling at the collegiate level. From College Courts to the Pro Stage For the Epps sisters, the Edmond Open W100 is more than just another tournament—it’s an opportunity to test their collegiate-honed skills against seasoned professionals. The ITF circuit is a demanding proving ground, and their participation signals both ambition and readiness for the next step in their careers. Their presence also highlights a growing trend of college tennis players successfully transitioning to the pro tour. Both OSU and Louisiana Tech have been key in shaping their competitive instincts, but Edmond is where they get to measure themselves on a truly global stage. Looking Ahead Whether they advance deep into the draw or use this as a stepping stone, the Epps sisters are proving that Oklahoma and Louisiana collegiate programs can produce talent ready to shine under the international spotlight. Fans at Edmond Center Court are not just watching two players; they’re witnessing the continuation of a family story written in forehands, volleys, and the drive to compete at the highest level.

If you have spent any time around Oklahoma tennis the past few years, you have probably heard this refrain: the Corley sisters are different. Carmen and Ivana Corley, Albuquerque natives who turned OU doubles courts into a stage, have carried that energy onto the pro tour, where they arrive at the OKTF Edmond Open W100 with a bona fide winning pedigree and a brand of doubles that is fast, fearless, and fun to watch. From Norman fan favorites to national contenders At Oklahoma, the Corleys were the heartbeat of a program that rewrote school history. As a No. 1 tandem, they piled up wins (17–2 at the top line in 2021) and collected All-American honors, while helping propel the Sooners to the 2022 NCAA team final, the program’s first national championship match appearance. Their doubles point often set the tone; their presence made OU a dangerous team before a ball was even struck. Carmen’s OU résumé reads like a highlight reel: two-time ITA All-American, multiple All-Big 12 selections, and Big 12 Player of the Week nods, while Ivana added conference honors of her own and, together, the sisters routinely took down ranked opponents. That collegiate edge, first-ball strikes, sharp poaches, and the swagger to own big moments, has carried forward. The transition to the pros has looked less like a learning curve and more like a launch. Last summer, the sisters captured their first ITF World Tennis Tour title together at the Hall of Fame Open in Newport, a milestone week that announced them as a doubles team to watch. They defeated Arianne Hartono and Prarthana Thombare in straight sets on the grass at the International Tennis Hall of Fame. They’ve backed it up at the ITF W100 level too, most notably with a clutch championship run at W100 Landisville (Koser Jewelers Tennis Challenge), where they saved match points and edged the top seeds in a match tiebreak. That win is exactly the kind of result that moves rankings, earns main-draw entries, and turns heads in locker rooms. The big-stage proof point came in New York: the Corleys earned a US Open Tennis Championship doubles wild card in 2024 and won their opening match, then returned to Flushing Meadows again in 2025. For a duo forged on college courts, those night-session roars felt like a natural next step. Watch them for five minutes and you see it: Carmen’s first-strike returning and aggressive baseline patterns set Ivana up to live at the net. They play quick—taking returns early, pinching middle, and trusting one another on the switch. College taught them to value the doubles point; the tour has taught them how to close under pressure. Their Newport title showed they can win on slick grass; Landisville proved they can problem-solve deep into a tight, hard-court tiebreak. The Edmond Open W100: a fitting stage That makes the OKTF Edmond Open W100, Oklahoma’s historic first women’s $100K, feel like a homecoming with stakes. A strong week here means ranking points, momentum into the indoor swing, and, for the fans, a chance to watch two OU legends apply their craft at world-class speed in the very place that shaped them. Expect the same signatures: quick holds behind first serves, opportunistic poaches, and a willingness to play the big ball on deuce points. What comes next The blueprint is clear. Pile up deep runs at W100/WTA 125 events, mix in the occasional WTA main draw, and keep stacking rep-worthy wins over seeded teams. Recent form—and the hardware to prove it—says they are ahead of schedule. The Corleys do not just bring name recognition back to Edmond; they bring a doubles team already capable of contending with anyone in the draw. Bottom line: OU built their chemistry. The pro tour sharpened their edges. Now the Corley sisters arrive at Edmond Center Court not as feel-good stories, but as favorites—with the results to back it up and the crowd behind them.