Bethany Christian vs. Northridge {Preview}

We open the season tomorrow with a match at Northridge. Traditionally this is a tough place for the Bruins to play. To the tune of never winning a team match at Northridge, or even against them here at home. Of course, there is always talk about the size of school that Northridge is, the number of coaches available to them, and the fact that most of their players only play tennis. This is a constantly difficult match.

This year, we return four players to our varsity team while Northridge returns three. The varsity matchup that will certainly draw the eyes this season will be Luke Hostetter against their #1 player, Jeff George. Last year, Luke lost to one of the best players in the area from Northridge, Blake Sandberg. Jeff George defeated Wes Klassen at #2 singles, 6-1, 6-2. This matchup should be very interesting as a tested #1 singles player goes up against a talented newcomer to the position. There has also been indication from Northridge that a talented freshman could beat out George for the number one slot, which would make the match even more compelling.

Northridge returns one player from last year's number one doubles (Brantz Brandenburger) and one player from their number two doubles (Taylor French). I expect these two to be paired together at number one doubles. Similarly, Johnny Kauffman played at one doubles for us last year, Jeremy Thomas played at two doubles, and they will be lining up along side each other to take on French and Brandenburger. This match will tell us where our varsity doubles are at, as it will be our two most experienced doubles players together. The outcome of this match will go a long way in figuring out what the rest of the lineup will look like the rest of the year.

The rest of Northridge's lineup will be made up of players who are freshmen or played JV last season. Their JV defeated Bethany rather soundly last year, the exception being at #2 singles JV, where Jonny Shenk pushed Jeremy Runge to a tiebreak, but fell 8-9. The varsity success of Northridge's program often comes from players making seamless jumps from JV to varsity, and I expect that this new crop of varsity players will be playing at a high level at this early point in the season.

Success tonight for Bethany would be to play up to Northridge's level, to match their class and effort, and to play with confidence. To often, the strokes and power of the Raiders seem to overwhelm our desire to compete against them, which is flat out unacceptable. I expect our players to play with heart and grit, and to grind out every point played. I think that we may surprise ourselves with our level of competition if we focus on the way we play and strive instead of end results. I expect a difficult match for sure, but one that will be a launching point for a successful season.

Northridge Info:
Returning Varsity (3)
- Jeff George defeated Wes Klassen, 6-1, 6-2
- Brantz Brandenburger defeated Johnny Kauffman/Jordan Kauffman, 6-1, 6-3
- Taylor French defeated Jordan Miller/Jeremy Thomas, 6-0, 6-2

Returning JV (9)
- Anthony Miller defeated Daniel Buschert, 8-1
- Jeremy Runge defeated Jonny Shenk, 9-8(7)
- Dylan Pieri defeated Nathan Hostetter, 8-3
- Steven Briggs defeated Courtland Jones, 8-0
- Tim Wagner defeated Weston Troyer, 8-6
- Colin Chocola /James Brandenberger defeated Matt Amstutz / Will Troyer, 8-2
- Blake Lukin / Jeff Eash defeated Jared Christophel / Mikey Kelly, 8-1

Possible Lineup???
#1S – Jeff George (11)
#2S – Anthony Miller (12)
#3S – Jeremy Runge (10)
#1D – Brantz Brandenberger (12) / Taylor French (12)
#2D – Colin Chocola (11) / James Brandenburger (10)