Bethany Christian vs. Churubusco {Match Report}

This match was another one between a young, inexperienced group from Churubusco and an equally young but much experienced varsity from Bethany Christian. Over the past several years, this match has proved to be relatively easy for the Bruins to win, as we've won 5-0 for the past 5 years. This year, despite marked improvement from the young Eagles, Bethany took another 5-0 decision.

The first three matches of the evening took place indoors due to a driving rain that hit just as the match began. Luke Hostetter at #1 singles took on a hard-hitting #1 in Alex McDowell. Though McDowell was able to push the pace of play and force Hostetter to hit off the back foot on many points, Luke had the composure and will to win the big points of the match and make it a relatively comfortable victory.

At #2 singles, Jared Schwartzentruber stepped aside for an evening due to a back injury. In his place Jonny Shenk moved up from #3 singles and played Ryan May. May had a beautiful backhand stroke, and again put good pace on the ball but was not consistent enough to stay in this match with Jonny. Another easy victory for the Bruins.

At #3 singles, Matt Amstutz filled the position left by Shenk. Matt started his match indoors, and dropped the second game with some inconsistent groundstrokes and return of serve. However, when the match moved outdoors, Amstutz shone with big forehand shots and serves to only lose one more game for the entire match.

Both doubles positions were also taken with ease. Our Bethany players have been well drilled in getting to the net and making opponents pay for weak or tentative play. Both doubles teams were aggressive throughout the match, and were overwhelming for the Eagles doubles, who couldn't match the attack.

This win put us at 7-3 for the season, a mark that has us at the 70% winning percentage that is always a goal for the program. It is also the last of our weaker opponents, as the upcoming schedule includes Northwood, Fairfield, and Bremen.

Scores
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Bethany --- Score --- Churubusco

#1S - Luke Hostetter (11) --- 6-0, 6-1 --- Alex McDowell (10)
#2S - Jonny Shenk (11) --- 6-0, 6-1 --- Ryan May (10)
#3S - Matt Amstutz (11) --- 6-2, 6-0 --- Zac Sorg (12)
#1D - Johnny Kauffman (11)/Jeremy Thomas (11) --- 6-1, 6-0 --- Trevin Geiger/Jesse Lich
#2D - Daniel Buschert (11)/Mikey Kelly (10) --- 6-1, 6-0 --- Matt Hall/Alex Murphy

JV
#1S - Ben Mast (9) --- 8-0 --- John Hilsmier