Blackhawk Christian - Match Report

Varsity Recap

Well, it was certainly another exciting match! But this time, the Bruins were able to pull the victory out in the third set. This match marks our 8th competition of the season, and 6 of those have been decided by a 3-2 scoreline! This is remarkable experience playing under pressure for our team, and it is making for some memorable matches.

There were some great matches in this as well. Josh Cartwright continues to play his best tennis ever, and I am really grateful to see it. Josh started this match a little slow on his feet. In the first game it didn't look like he had his usual pep. But when he crossed over, I mentioned that to him. He said, "Yea, that's true." Then he went out and won the next 12 straight games! Again, Josh played in a way that made his opponent be consistent. Josh is adding things to his game all the time, so it was good to see those elements as well.

Theo's match again was difficult, as he played a player who competed at #1S last year against us. The Blackhawk senior had powerful groundstrokes and was able to move Theo back. As Theo does, he began to figure out cracks to attack in the second set, but couldn't string together enough back-to-back points to win the games. It was a good effort against a good player.

Braden played one of his best matches of the season. He got down quickly in the first set, trying to shot for shot with Blackhawk's #1. But after getting down, Braden started to change the strategy. Rather than just belting away with power, Braden turned to loopier balls and mixing in slices and drop shots. These turns threw off the rhythm of his opponent, and suddenly Braden was right back in the set. His opponent regrouped, took the first set and then got out to a 3-0 lead in the second. I talked to Braden about intentionally doing what he had in the first set, and Braden again came back, taking a 5-4 lead in the set. But, he couldn't quite finish through the match, and ended up losing with valiant effort.

So, the match ended up coming down to doubles. #1D looked very much in command in the first set. The set score stayed close, as the Blackhawk duo that Joseph and Tyson were facing were consistent and good at the net. But when Tyson and Joseph closed off the net and played with confidence, they were a force to be reckoned with. They finished off the first set and took the lead in the second. But the second set stayed right on serve or close to it. The teams ended up trading off games. But there was a sense, for me anyways, that we would eventually close it out. And again, with some great net play and serving, we were able to win in two sets.

Which meant that the match came down to Austin and Aaron at #2D. And tonight, they were very up to the task! Well, after the first set :-) We have struggled this year with teams who are consistent and make us hit more than one shot. We expect the errors to come off the first aggressive ball that we hit. So often, we are unprepared to play two aggressive shots in a row. Then the doubt creeps in. The first set went like that at #2D. 

But the second set turned around quickly. When we move aggressively, anticipating our shots and staying on the balls of our feet, then we play really well. For this to be the deciding match, the final two sets weren't actually all that close. We attacked the net, forced them back with deep groundstrokes and lobs and finished really well at the net. And because of that aggressive simplicity, we won the match! 3-2 to the Bruins in a season of lots of 3-2's!

JV Recap

The JV continues it's run of playing so well right now. Everything that we are working on in practice is coming to fruition in their matches. Cameron looked so confident in the match tonight. From early in the match it was obvious that his shots are gaining some solidity and intention. His passing shots are really flying past his opponent and he is still carrying that fighting spirit that he was always brought to the table.

Breece and Matthew had much of the same in their match. They were able to control most of the play with their intention. Sometimes, errors can creep in. But they are the same type of errors that we see at the varsity doubles, where we lack movement and anticipation. But their strokes are dominant when they are focused, Breece with serving and net play and Matthew with his forehand and approach game. Both of these guys have the skills to be excellent doubles players, and got the win tonight.

Also getting a win was Ethan. Ethan's game is growing in consistency. His groundstrokes in this match were awesome. He was moving slowly at the beginning, but Daniel really gave him some good advice about his energy levels. After that quick talk, Ethan shot into the lead. When he could get into a longer rally of 4-5 shots, Ethan almost never lost the point from that part of the match forward. From a close beginning of the set, Ethan ran off 3 games in a row to take the win.

So, the JV continues to play excellent tennis, pushing themselves forward!

Moments of Joy

Postponed until I can find my sheet where I wrote down these great points :-)

Moments Together

I love our traditions - especially the eating ones! Tonight, we got to stop at the Magic Wand as we drove through Churubusco. It was great. Ordering at the walk-up window, ET sundaes and Magic Burgers, sitting at picnic tables and enjoying some great wins. I was so glad for the joy that surrounded our team in this match!

Prayer

Lord, let us carry confidence and joy like we had tonight into our remaining matches. Bless us with nights of peace, where we don't feel like we should have done more... where we aren't upset at ourselves. Where we accept what you have given. Lord, help us to find things to praise more than things to criticize. And tonight, I praise You for the wonderful sunset, the safe drive, and for laughter. Amen.

Scores

Varsity: 3-2

#1S - Braden Bohn - 4-6, 5-7 - Rylan Doden (10)

#2S - Theo Siemens-Rhodes - 0-6, 2-6 - Colton Romines (12)

#3S - Josh Cartwright - 6-1, 6-0 - Harrison Allen (10)

#1D - Joseph Mounsithiraj/Tyson Miller - 6-4, 7-5 - Luke LaGrange (11)/Gage Sefton (10)

#2D - Aaron Shenk/Austin Shenk - 4-6, 6-1, 6-2 - Caleb Gibson (12)/Eli LaGrange (9)

Junior Varsity: 3-0

#1SJV - Cameron Heinisch - 8-2 - Josh Wallace (10)

#2SJV - Ethan Pairitz - 8-5 - Will Guthrie (9)

#1DJV - Matthew Dyck/Breece Erickson - 8-6 - Josh Wallace (10)/Will Guthrie (9)