Bethany Christian vs. Mishawaka {Match Report}

Not much to report here. Mishawaka is definitely in the building stage of a program. Despite being a large school, they don't have the biggest (or best) team. They only had 7 players eligible for tonight's match, and one was a complete beginner.

They did have two decent players at the top of their lineup. Both Scott Wagoner and Chris Grecco returned to the position that they played last year, #1 singles and #2 singles respectively. However, the pressure and skill from Luke and Jared just ended up being too much for the Mishawaka players to handle.

Overcoming a slow start to the match, Luke took a firm grip on the match at the end of the first set and reeled off 7 straight games to take the first set 6-3 and lead in the second 5-0 before Wagoner was able to find another game in the match. Although disturbing to see Luke falter again at the beginning of a match, it was impressive to watch him dominate the middle of the match, winning games quickly and with accurate, powerful groundstrokes.

Jared also put together two emphatic sets for a quick win. Dropping the first game of the match, Jared rallied to 6 straight to take the first set. His long, deep, topspin driven balls gave Grecco many problems, and when Jared began to serve well Grecco struggled with returns as well. Grecco recovered to take the first game of the second set, but in similar fashion Jared took over and won 6 straight again to conclude the match.

At doubles, it was all Bethany, all night. Johnny Kauffman and Jeremy Thomas whipped around the courts with quick feet and tight volleys. Several overheads found themselves smashed down into the court and then over the fence with such force, this was the tone for the entire match as Johnny and Jeremy aggressively took a 6-0, 6-0 decision.

Daniel Buschert and Matt Amstutz followed a similar path, although theirs was eased by the competition provided from two obvious beginners. In what could have been a struggle to retain concentration, Daniel and Matt only slipped up once in a 6-1, 6-0 victory.

Jonny Shenk had the most difficult match of the evening. Playing an erratic but oddly skilled player in senior Derek Call, Jonny struggled to find the consistency that has defined his game this season. After taking the first set 6-1, Jonny struggled to maintain control of the match in the second set as Call took a 2-1 lead behind chipped and sliced forehands and driven backhands. Jonny recovered to take the next two games before the match was suspended due to rain.

All in all, this match was a victory. A step in the right direction as far as record is concerned, but not that impressive as far as our final goal. It was a match that had to be one, had to be focused on, and had to be played. I'm pleased that it was done in an efficient manner by the guys tonight. Now we move on to Thursday.


Scores
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Bethany --- Score --- Mishawaka

#1S - Luke Hostetter (11) --- 6-3, 6-1 --- Scott Wagoner (12)
#2S - Jared Schwartzentruber (11) --- 6-1, 6-1 --- Chris Grecco (11)
#3S - Jonny Shenk (11) --- 6-1, 3-2 --- Derek Call (12)
#1D - Johnny Kauffman (11)/Jeremy Thomas (11) --- 6-0, 6-0 --- Michael Stamm (11)/Anthony Tomlinson (10)
#2D - Daniel Buschert (11)/Matt Amstutz (11) --- 6-1, 6-0 --- Adam Barnhart (10)/Tony Whiteman (10)