Bocce On! – Yountville – October 2, 2025 – Robbie Rules the Court
The 2025 Yountville Bocce Club season went out in style on Saturday, Sept. 27, with the annual Championship Tournament and a festive end-of-season dinner.
The excitement kicked off bright and early with the 8 a.m. Wildcard Shootout, where nine hopefuls battled for the last coveted spot in the bracket. Paula Simi edged out Dawn Conley in a nail-biting finish to punch her ticket into the main draw—and she was not done making noise.
By 9 a.m., sixteen competitors rolled into action in the single-elimination showdown. Match by match, the field narrowed until only one player stood tall. Robbie Whitham stormed through the bracket, capping his run with a thrilling victory over Wildcard hero Paula Simi in the championship final.
The day was packed with drama. Steve Zanetell staged a huge comeback, erasing a 5–0 deficit to edge Mike Murrell 8–6. Bob Garske came out sharp, taking down Don Olvarado, while Simi proved her Wildcard spot was well earned by toppling higher seeds with a steady hand. On court 3, Giulio Giuliani knocked out Jeff Brown before outlasting Barbara Pirondini to earn a place in the semifinals.
The semis did not disappoint: Simi fended off a tough challenge from Zanetell, Garske ended Lisa Whitham’s strong run, and Robbie Whitham hit his stride—squeaking past Lilette Tyler, cruising by Charles Burke, and overpowering Giuliani to book his place in the finals.
The title match was everything fans hoped for—long rolls, close calls, and plenty of cheers echoing across the courts. Simi battled fiercely, but Whitham’s poise and precision carried the day, sealing the championship with a confident finish. Giuliani took home third place, with Garske earning fourth.
Back: Bob Garske, Robbie Whitham
Nancy Caldwell photo
As the sun set, the celebration moved to the Yountville Community Center. Members and guests gathered at Bud’s BBQ area for cocktails, photos, and plenty of bocce banter before enjoying a delicious dinner prepared by Omar Reyes. Perfect pairings came courtesy of wine donations from Hoopes, Goosecross, Grgich Hill, Jessup, Priest Ranch and Janet Gotch.
Club President Joe Holko led heartfelt remembrances of beloved members Luigi Braccini, Marty Cardone, and Lois Riker, and recognized the tireless efforts of court managers Charles Ainsworth, Joel Breitigam, and Jim Conley.
With music from Robin McKee-Cant, the party rolled on into the night, capping off a fantastic season.
Cheers to all our players, volunteers, and fans—see you back on the courts in April 2026!
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