Northridge Match Report

So, it wasn't exactly the way we hoped the match would turn out. But we're off to a similar start as last season, as we lost 3-2 to the Raiders at the varsity level. The JV however started brightly, taking a 4-3 victory on the night.

In varsity competition, the highlight of the match was probably a dominant #2 doubles performance. Daniel Buschert and Seth Krabill played their first match together, indeed Seth's first varsity match period, and were able to enforce their will on the Northridge team. Jumping out to a 3-0 lead in the first set, they did not slip up. After splitting the next two games to lead 4-1, the senior-sophomore combo won the next 8 games and closed out a very well played match 6-1, 6-0. In words that I couldn't say any better myself, Bethany had the best volleys, best serves, best strokes, so we won.

Another highlight was Ben Mast's first varsity victory. After coming out a bit tight (that is a huge understatement) and losing the first set 6-0 (!) Ben was able to fight and "battle" his way back into a good style of play. Throwing off the rhythm of his opponent by keeping the ball in play, Ben then began to attack and win some easy points off of his junior opponent, Dylan Pieri. After taking a 4-1 lead in the second set, things tightened up again. But Ben relaxed and took the second set 6-4. In the third set, the score remained close but it seemed as though Ben had control. He won 6-4 in the third as well.

Other matches didn't fair so well after poor starts. At the other three positions, #1S, #2S, and #1D, Bethany found themselves trailing quickly and by large margins. Luke Hostetter lost his first set 6-0 despite playing every game to deuce, Jonny Shenk fell 6-1 to the predictably excellent Nick Myers, and Jared Schwartzentruber/Jeremy Thomas found themselves against an aggressive and talented team and lost 6-1. Comebacks were mounted in the second set, and there were times where the Bruins seemed to have grabbed and advantage. Still, we were not able to turn the tables in our favor. These three matches were the three that we lost.

In JV, Matthew Amstutz outlasted Cole Wogoman at #1S. Matthew took an early lead in his match, and then watched it disappear as Wogoman started to overcome some initial nerves. The match stayed tight after Wogoman's comeback, but Matthew used excellent forehands and his "big weapon," a screaming forehand, to win the tight match. Let it be said here that our #2S player Mikey Kelly was playing with his offhand as he waits for his right hand to be cleared by the doctor. Despite this he came close with a 5-8 loss.

JV highlights also included a wonderful match by Russell Klassen, in which his forehand had enough power to force mistakes out of his counterpart. #2D of Jake Gerig and Blake Shetler also had a fine combination of brute strength (triple wildebeast!) and quickness and agility to win their match handily. Matt Ebersole clinched the match for Bethany, picking up his first ever win as a freshman.

Though there was some disappointment tonight at the varsity loss, the depth of the team shown through again. Despite missing two varsity players, we were able to compete against a talented Northridge team. This knowledge is encouraging to us as we move on to the Goshen match Thursday.

Scores

Varsity
Luke Hostetter - 0-6, 3-6 - Jeff George (12)
Jonny Shenk - 1-6, 0-6 - Nick Myers (10)
Ben Mast - 0-6, 6-4, 6-4 - Dylan Pieri (11)
Jared Schwartzentruber/Jeremy Thomas - 1-6, 4-6 - James Brandenburger (11)/Blake Lukin (12)
Daniel Buschert/Seth Krabill - 6-1, 6-0 - Colin Chocola (12)/Jeremy Runge (11)

JV
Matthew Amstutz - 8-6 - Cole Wogoman (11)
Mikey Kelly - 5-8 - Jeff Eash (11)
Russell Klassen - 8-2 - Dylan Wengerd (9)
Matt Ebersole - 8-4 - Connor Cameran (9)
Evan Grimes - 3-8 - Jared Gietzen (9)
Austin Loucks/Kyle Miller - 5-8 - Tim Wagner (11)/Collin Roberts (11)
Jake Gerig/Blake Shetler - 8-2 - AJ Thielking (9)/Doug Jakubowicz (9)