Bethany Christian vs. Fairfield {Match Report}

This match was probably our worst played of the year as a varsity, but interestingly, our JV guys did a nice job. Isn't it interesting that against good squads we have been so inconsistent this year.

Well, let's start with the varsity. It was a 5-0 loss, our worst of the year. What was disappointing was that this team was not the best team we've played all year, yet we suffered the worst loss. I have to hand it to Fairfield and their coaching staff, they are always very well-prepared to play, and to my displeasure because it might say something about my coaching, we didn't look up for the match on the whole.

Jonny Shenk's first set was one of the lone bright spots for the varsity. He jumped out quickly in the first set, capitalizing on Falcon Lance Hall's multiple mistakes. To close out the set he began to play a type of attacking tennis that has not been his calling card this year, but that was perfect to foil Hall's comeback attempts and frustrate him further. However, Jonny suffered from lack of motivation when he looked around and saw that none of his teammates had been able to match his first set effort.

Luke at #1 singles played a nice first set, but without much teeth. In other words, he was right there in every game, but couldn't take the final bite and finish the game. He fell by the deceivingly lopsided score of 6-0. It was exactly the same at #2 singles, where Jared fell 6-1. At #2 doubles, the team raced to a 3-0 lead but then fell to their own frustration, losing 6 straight games in a row. #1 doubles battled to a 5-4 lead, a chance to take the set by breaking serve, but couldn't find the decisive point and then lost the first set 7-5.

The real disappointment however came in the second sets of most matches. After taking the hit and being outplayed in the first sets, few of our players responded with any fight. They seemed to accept the loss and embrace frustration instead of battling through. Jared lost 6-1 again, #1 doubles fell 6-1, #2 doubles fell behind 5-1 before making a late run. Luke showed the best fight, but was unable to convert 3 set points and lost in a 2nd set tiebreaker.

At the JV level, we played an experienced team very tough. Fairfield's JV record was 11-0-1 coming into the match, they were undefeated. If we had only played them with the top of our JV lineup, the first 5 positions, they would have had a loss. Ben Mast, Matt Amstutz, and Seth Krabill were all able to come away with singles victories for the Bruins. But Fairfield is a very deep team and the talent goes all the way to the last man. We found it hard to pull out any doubles victories, losing all but the #7 doubles spot.

I was proud the of the lack of fear from the Bruins JV. Confidence abounded as every simply tried to give it their best effort and let mistakes roll off their backs. That is what a true confident team looks like. I love it.

So, we move on from this varsity disappointment and hope to build towards Sectional. Our best playing is still in front of us, and there are still trophies to be won. Hopefully, one that looks like the state of Indiana.

Scores
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Bethany --- Score --- Fairfield

#1S - Luke Hostetter (11) --- 0-6, 6-7 (6) --- David Stutzman (12)
#2S - Jared Schwartzentruber (11) --- 1-6, 1-6 --- Weston Bontrager (12)
#3S - Jonny Shenk (11) --- 6-2, 2-6, 2-6 --- Lance Hall (12)
#1D - Johnny Kauffman (11)/Jeremy Thomas (11) --- 5-7, 1-6 --- Spencer Crilow (12)/Lucas Schrock (12)
#2D - Daniel Buschert (11)/Mikey Kelly (10) --- 3-6, 3-6 --- Jason Skibbe (12)/Wyatt Stutzman (9)

JV
#1S - Ben Mast (9) --- 8-6 --- Mitchell Osterday (12)
#2S - Matt Amstutz (11) --- 8-4 --- Brock Bechtel (11)
#3S - Seth Krabill (9) --- 8-5 --- Malachi Randolph
#1D - Kyle Miller (9)/Russell Klassen (9) --- 4-8 --- Austin Fleck (12)/Jared Miller (12)
#2D - Will Troyer (11)/Austin Loucks (10) --- 0-8 --- Josh Beck (10)/Derick Troeger (10)
#3D - Misha Rebec (10)/Nick Rebec (10) --- 2-8 --- Jordan Garber (11)/Colin Holmes (11)
#4D - Weston Troyer (12)/Claude Stickler (10) --- 2-6 --- Trent Kauffman (10)/Derek Thwaits (10)
#5D - Justin Gregor (11)/Jake Gerig (10) --- 0-6 --- Kate Kropf (9)/Brad Shipley (9)
#6D - Austin Loucks (10)/Harrison Beachey (10) --- 0-6 --- Chris Miller (9)/Logan Mann (9)
#7D - Kyle Miller (9)/Russell Klassen (9) --- 6-2 --- Austin Beer (9)/Jake Walter (9)