Goshen - Doubles Update

When we first played our match against Goshen, the doubles were not able to participate. So, Saturday we finished up the varsity match by playing the two doubles matches. These were important matches coming off of Thursday, where we had not played our most confident tennis. We are continuing to learn and grow as we go!

It was definitely tales of different sets for the Bruins. #1D got off to a flying start. They took advantage of Goshen's early errors with aggressive tennis. Joseph served especially well and Tyson and Joseph were both able to find simple putaways at the net. Fairly quickly, #1D had the first set in hand with a 6-1 score.

At #2D, it was the opposite. We were still playing too tentative, trying to "caress" the ball so as not to make errors. Of course, that was making us make more errors. In tennis, you have to swing :-) So, we got down 5-2 in the first set. However, we loosened up and began to hit the ball again. In several quick games we had tightened the set to 5-5 and then went into a tiebreak. This is the third time this year that #2D has gotten down 5-2 and then forced a first set tiebreak. But this time, they continued their confident play into the tiebreak. Building an early lead in the breaker, they were able to pull out some timely forehands and win it 7-3.

The second set for #2D went much smoother. Armed with the phrase "aggressive shots to simple spots" they began to really play their best. Passing shots, returns, and more became crisper. Aaron and Austin also served particularly well, nailing in 75% of their first serves over the course of the set. They began to pull away in the set, and were able to win 6-2. 

Of course, #1D saw it go the other way. Instead of continuing in their simple and aggressive tennis, they lost their rhythm in the second set. They fell behind from the beginning, and found themselves playing catch up throughout the set. The RedHawks made a good adjustment, becoming more consistent and daring us to go for more. Too many times we went for too much, too early. But really good serving from both Joseph and Tyson, and under pressure as well, allowed us to hold on into the tiebreak. In the tiebreak, we actually played very good tennis. We hit returns and groundstrokes that put the pressure onto the Goshen team. Tyson and Joseph were able to secure the tiebreak 7-2. 

And so, both teams won on the bright Saturday afternoon. And even though the team officially lost the match, it still felt like a great step in the right direction!