Chapter 18 - vs. Bremen

As the light goes, go.

- from "What I Know About Epistemology" by John Surowiecki

The seniors wrapped up their home season tonight, defeating the Bremen Lions at all of our senior spots. Parth Patel picked up his 10th win of the season, the first of his 3 varsity seasons where he's reached double digits. Joel Gerig has his highest win total as well, clocking in at 13 now on the season. Justin Zehr, in fact, picked up his 9th win, which is one more than last year. And Abe Thorne, well, he got another win last night too, his 20th singles win of his career.

All in all, these senior Bruins have been part of 35 varsity wins. They've played their roles on the JV as well, preparing themselves. They have been great teammates, had so much fun. And hopefully, they are well prepared for the future.

As tennis goes, tonight went well. Abe has figured out a style of play that has brought him a lot of recent success. After starting the season slowly, Abe is 3-3 in his last 6 matches. His attacking style went a little overboard at times tonight (a volley slammed over the first row of cars in the parking lot :-) but provided the needed energy and confidence for a quick win.

Jesse Amstutz lost his first game, looked troubled and worried. A quick strategy adjustment and 12 straight games were won, as Jesse actually provided that clinching 3rd point we're always desperate for.

The 2nd point had been won at #1 doubles, where Joel and Hans started out looking a little tentative after last night's disappointment against Fairfield. However, relying on their strengths - their teammate and their energy - they fought back against themselves and recovered their beautiful form. Their match ended on a big serve from Joel forcing a Lion error. It was good to see him swing so confidently.

And so too for the #2 doubles team. After double faulting the entire first game, Landon Weldy found his service stroke and dominated. Parth looked like the old doubles pro that he now is, finding angles, crosscourt rally strokes and putting away overheads. They played as a well-polished team tonight, which was fun to watch.

Sol struggled, again against a #3 singles player who has better strokes than most of his teammates. We finally cracked the code of how to trouble the junior Krent Hueni late in the game, but it was too late. He had outstroked Sol's power for most of the match, and won the Lion's only point.

At JV, no other points were given away. Byeong Min Lim sealed up an undefeated JV season, and Ethan Lapp picked up his 15th win of the season, extending his own record. Ryan Duckworth competed with senior Justin Zehr, and they had their times of awesomeness - like when Justin hit a ball around the net post and back crosscourt for the winner, or when Ryan poached and pounded down several overheads. These moments gave us the excitement we were looking for.

But really, tonight was celebrating the seniors in their last home match. So much of life is about finding out what light, what gift God has given to us and being that light to world. Last night on the tennis courts, our seniors played to the strengths they've been given. My prayer, my blessing, is that they always will.

Varsity

#1S - Abe Thorne - 6-1, 6-0 - Tommy Foster (10)

#2S - Jesse Amstutz - 6-1, 6-0 - Bryce DeVine (10)

#3S - Sol Brenneman - 3-6, 3-6 - Krent Hueni (11)

#1D - Joel Gerig/Hans Miller - 6-2, 6-1 - Tyler LaFlash (12)/Austin Ingle (11)

#2D - Parth Patel/Landon Weldy - 6-2, 6-3 - Ryker Hand (10)/Chandler Snyder (9)

Junior Varsity

#1SJV - Byeong Min Lim - 8-1 - Evan Reed (9)

#2SJV - Ethan Lapp - 8-0 - Hudson Thornton (9)

#1DJV - Justin Zehr/Ryan Duckworth - 8-3 - Noah Miller (10)/Josh Ukinski (10)