What We Really Enjoyed 4: Bremen Invitational

Enjoy Some Highlights!

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What Happened in the Match?

Saturday was a gorgeous day. Cool and cloudy in the morning, opening up to sun in the mid-day hours. It was a perfect day to play a tennis match.

Or three tennis matches.

Or three, intensely close and competitive matches.

Which is what the Bruins did. We headed to Bremen to compete against the Wawasee Warriors, Bremen Lions and Fremont Eagles. And every single match ended in a 3-2 score. Not just our matches either, but every match played at the tournament was decided by one position. It was crazy.

The first match was against Wawasee, and our team started out slowly. At every position except for Ian at #3S, we started out behind. Noah fell behind 3-0 and Gideon fell behind 5-0. #1D was close, but we were always trailing by just a game. 

Ian really was confident and struck really solid passing shots and lobs during the #3S match. Ian took the first set comfortably, and gave us one really good bright spot to start the day.

Suddenly, all the other courts began to turn it around as well. In tennis, when one position surges and let's out some positive energy, you can start to see it ripple across all the courts (at least, to the players who will receive it and echo it :-) And suddenly Noah was coming back in his first set, letting out roars and being cheered along. Then Gid was carried by the wave, winning his first game in the second set. And #1D recommitted to sticking close and making the second set a tight battle.

Noah confidently extended rallies and found spots to be aggressive. He got a collection of overheads and forehand winners to go along with shots that his opponent missed. Suddenly, he pushed the match to a tiebreak. Trailing 2-4 in the 7 point tiebreak, Noah reeled off a streak of 5 points won in a row to take the first set. 

Gideon, playing next to him, also had an incredible mental turnaround. He went from losing the first set 6-0 to being in position to take the second set, leading 5-2. Gideon's opponent buckled down in the 5-2 game. The Wawasee #2 kept attacking the net, sending Gideon wide into the corners to slap passing shots and throw up lobs. In a long deuce game, Gideon found an amazing sliding backhand pass to fend off an ad point, then finally finished the game to start a third set tiebreak to 10 points. In the third set tiebreak, Gideon took a lead, but then found himself tied at 6-6. In a way similar to Noah, Gid won the next 4 straight points to seal an amazing comeback win.

Ian, unfortunately, had become tentative in the second set. Lobs were landing a bit shorter and passing shots didn't have quite the same direction. As a result, Ian lost the second set and was forced into the third set tiebreaker as well. The Wawasee #3 really played aggressive, and took a 9-3 lead to the tiebreak. Ian kept working, winning three straight points to make it interesting. However, a final shot fell in the net for the Bruins, as we lost #3S. 

Noah finished off his second set in #1S. And #1D was broke in a long game down 4-3 in the second set to fall in their match. So we were tied 2-2 with Wawasee as Emerson and Keagan headed onto the court. The first set was very tight for the Bruins. We were missing returns, but winning a majority of the points that we put in play. It was a close set, but we lost 5-7. The second set started amazing, with the Bruins taking a 3-0 lead. But then we lost concentration and momentum. Unfortunately we lost the set as well, and the match 3-2. 

All three of the Bruin losses were so close. So we moved on to the next round with confidence in what we'd done well. The next match was against Bremen, and honestly, it went by for me in a bit of a blur. The middle match of a long day can be difficult and at times this was. Some positions, like #2S and #3S, the Lions were just amazingly good. Their #2S player had incredibly touch on his shots, and the #3S player used much more power than is typically seen at that position. Noah was struggling with energy early in his match, but was able to figure it out and get back in a groove after winning a tight first set. #1D looked really good in this match, moving and playing confidently. #2D had some really good games, which were tied a lot to the games in which they moved and focused well. In the end, the Lions took #2S, #3S and #2D all in two sets to seal a 3-2 win.

We moved on to our final match against Fremont. Again, at the end of the day, things can be difficult. We were able to win 3 singles matches to get the final point. Gideon and Noah played well against less experienced opponents. Justin sealed the match for us with a come-from-behind victory in a 10 point third set tiebreak. But again, the match was close and ended 3-2.

That's how many of our matches are going to be this year. And we're not always going to rely on the same positions, but each match each position matters. I hope this is motivated for the Bruins, because it means we could win some epics! I'm really looking forward to some more of these tight matches!  

What Were the Moments of Joy?
These are going to be moments that I saw in the match that were fun, beautiful and memorable! Again, just from what I happened to see :-)

Gideon's Comeback

After losing the first set 0-6, it didn't seem possible that Gideon would be able to get back into his match. Talent wise, he had the skills to compete, but it is difficult to bounce back mentally when you are getting down on yourself. However, Gideon had an incredible turnaround, and actually controlled most of the rest of his match. It was great to see him set a course for the day that was so positive.

Noah's Determination

Noah may not always look like he has the biggest weapons (he does), but he always is determined. Down 3-0 and 4-1 in his first set, he determined to make a comeback. Being that determined to simply keep things alive, get balls back deep, to make your opponent beat you instead of beating yourself - that is a huge weapon in playing tennis! When these succeeded, and Noah found himself drawing shorts balls to put away and making lunging cross court volleys, that was joyous.

Justin's Serve

All day Justin served really well. In big moments, in regular games, Justin could be counted on to put the serve in and not make it easy for his returning opponents. In closing out Bremen especially, Justin found two unreturned serves to grab two of the four points needed to close it out. They weren't his biggest serves of the day, but they simply set him up well. I love to see us use our strengths in ways that help us!

Simple Doubles Footwork

At #2D, we actually played really well all day. This was especially true when we got the point started well. In the match against Bremen, Daniel and I encouraged Emerson and Keagan to concentrate on small shuffle steps, getting themselves to balanced positions to hit their returns and volleys. And amazingly, in two concentrated games they played outstanding, kept the ball in play, and won two in a row. Unfortunately, they couldn't get all the way back in the match. But it set them up well to learn and continue to grow.

What Were the Moments of Encouragement?
This segment is where I'll highlight ways that we built each other up during the match or the lead up to it.

Videographers

I love making video highlights of days like this. But I couldn't do it with my video takers. Dominic and Adam took my phone today and collected over 300 points of play! But my favorite thing was hearing their voices. On the videos, as I culled through them this weekend, I could hear them calling out encouragement at the end of the points they had filmed. Whether a point we won or one we dumped in the net, they would call out each player by name. Teammates like them are so valuable to the feel of the day. And I am grateful for them!

Let's Take a Moment of Intention

This is a space where I will offer a short prayer for the team.

Lord, last week was a long, hot week. So often, we are as hard on ourselves as the heat and humidity. In reading through the team focus again, I am struck by the line "let your gentleness be evident to all." Gentleness, that is clear to see for everybody. Maybe that means for ourselves. Help us to be gentle with what we demand from ourselves, knowing that we are ultimately loved. 

Amen.

Scores

Wawasee 3, Bethany Christian 2

#1S - Noah Schrock - 7-6 (4), 6-4 - Joey Harper (11)

#2S - Gideon Miller - 0-6, 6-2, 10-6 - Kane Dukes (11)

#3S - Ian McHugh - 6-3, 1-6, 5-10 - Brayden Miller (11)

#1D - Tristan Mast/Justin Hochstedler - 4-6, 3-6 - Ty Brooks (12)/Evan Byler (11)

#2D - Emerson Landis/Keagan Meyer - 5-7, 3-6 - Caden Pratt (12)/Dane Cripe (11)

Bremen 3, Bethany Christian 2

#1S - Noah Schrock - 6-4, 6-2 - Camden Hickman (12)

#2S - Gideon Miller - 3-6, 3-6 - Max Varner (12)

#3S - Ethan Claassen - 1-6, 0-6 - Brock Ginter (11)

#1D - Tristan Mast/Justin Hochstedler - 6-4, 6-4 - Corbin Van Vuren (10)/Micah Porter (10)

#2D - Emerson Landis/Keagan Meyer - 2-6, 3-6 - Maddux Hickman (11)/Bryce Miller (9)

Bethany Christian 3, Fremont 2

#1S - Noah Schrock - 6-2, 6-0 - Zander Reetz (10) 

#2S - Gideon Miller - 6-1, 6-0 - Charlie Senecal (10)

#3S - Justin Hochstedler - 1-6, 6-1, 10-5 - Jake Hilvers (10)

#1D - Tristan Mast/Ethan Claassen - 2-6, 1-6 - Colton Guthrie (11)/Tyler Miller (10)

#2D - Emerson Landis/Keagan Meyer - 2-6, 2-6 - Corbin Beeman (12)/Isaac Perez (11)

What We Really Enjoyed 3: Goshen

Enjoy Some Highlights!

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What Happened in the Varsity Match?

We got started with this match about 5 days before we actually finished it, playing a grand total of 9 points as a team before the storms roared through on Aug. 17. Then, on Aug. 22, we finished the rest of the many points of the match. Throughout the rest of this varsity match, there was a theme - we played nice points, but couldn't win the big ones.

The singles matches were all similar, in that the points were long and we were striking similar types of shots to our RedHawk opponents. We just couldn't often find our way through. Noah and his opponent at #1S were both hitting big, damaging forehands and pushing each other back in the court. Games would get to 30-30, and then Noah would often be the one to sail a slice just long, hit the tape with an aggressive ball, or miss an awkward overhead.

At #2S, the points were different, they were a little bit longer and loopier. But still, Gideon served and rallied just fine. Here it was that Gideon, typically one of our most solid volleyers, was missing the final ball when he attacked. Because of this he had to resort to consistency, and did that really well. Still, we found ourselves lacking the final shot to really push through the rally. 

Ian's match was fun to watch. Both players were consistent but looked to get on the offensive when possible. When Ian's attacking shots were working, it really provided a foothold for Ian to get forward to the net and put some pressure on. Often, we were just forced to hit so many of those attacking shots, while the accuracy of the RedHawk #3 was really a strength.

In doubles, both teams served and ground-stroked well throughout the match. Especially enjoyable was the second set at #1D, where we really formed the plan we wanted to play with and just went for it. It didn't always come off, but it was good to see Tristan and Justin focused on what they needed to do. The strong ground strokes of the Goshen players often pushed us back, but their net play was also very good.

Same story at #2D. Emerson and Keagan really played well off the ground in this match, but Goshen held the net very strongly. We had trouble finding ways through their significant net presence. But it was really enjoyable to see the forehands and backhands #2D drove at their opponents. It made for some really good tennis, watching the RedHawks lunge around and use their touch to hit Emerson and Keagan's solid passing shots. 

In the end, our good play didn't end up getting us a match, or even a set. But it got us a lot of growth. I'm very confident headed into our next match that we are in a good place. And I am really looking forward to enjoying it.

What Happened in the JV Match?

Because the JV match occurred at the same time as the varsity, but at a separate location, I didn't have the opportunity to see the tennis we played in the first round of matches. However, because Goshen has a large contingent of players, each of our players were able to get a second round match. And the second round matches were awesome.

In evenly contested matchups, we enjoyed watching both the moments of triumph and the areas of growth in our teammates. Dominic was contacting the ball beautifully through most of his match. However, when he'd get to big moments he would try to add just a bit too much power and mistime the ball. With some quick tips from the coach, he entered his second set with focus on keeping the ball in play and making wise shot choices. He played some great tennis, and it was really fun. Again though, like the varsity, in tight moments Goshen would come up with some shots that put pressure on Dominic. Dominic closed out a close match, losing 2-4, 3-5 in two mini-sets.

All the rest of the second round matches went to some form of a tiebreak. #1DJV, Adam and Elliot, had an amazing comeback of a set. After not playing their best in the first set, they found a level of consistency that was really great in the second. They really start owning the net, which is so important in doubles. In the second set, they had a chance to close out at 4-3, but then got pushed to a tiebreak. In the tiebreak, they also took the early lead, but then couldn't close it out. It was a great reminder that loose and aggressive typically wins in tiebreak doubles.

At the next doubles position, we got to see Isaya and Ethan learning on the fly. Both have played more singles matches this year, but after some quick encouragement in their second set, they really began to play well together. Ethan patrolled the net and Isaya was quick to run down just about anything that got past. They forced a third set, which was played as a ten point tiebreak. Again, we got the lead early but then lost our aggression. The final points of the tiebreak were big forehands and big serves from the more aggressive of the two RedHawk players.

At the final doubles position, Malachi and Silas had an up and down match. Silas served really well and Malachi leaped around the net for many high-flying slams. But they also had times of inconsistency. As with many ninth graders, learning to put the first couple of shots in play is so important, relaxing and getting that point started.

We learned so many things in this match, and I also feel really confident moving forward with these guys. Can't wait for the next matches. 

What Were the Moments of Joy?
These are going to be moments that I saw in the match that were fun, beautiful and memorable! Again, just from what I happened to see :-)

Simple, Beautiful Doubles 

Keagan and Emerson had a point that just shows why I love doubles. I really enjoy it because it is often so simple. In the #2D match, there was one point that really showed this quality. Emerson hit a wonderful serve down the middle of the deuce court. It was to the backhand of the returner, and they squirted a ball across the middle of the net. Keagan lunged to his right to cut off the path of this ball, volleying it squarely past the feet of the second RedHawk player. It was a 1-2 moment, serve and then volley, and the point was over. I love it when it is simple.

Big Forehands

Noah may have played a bit of a nervous match. His normal consistency and retrieval was off a bit. But at the end of his match he shook that off to clobber some enormous forehands. I love seeing us outlast our opponent's in long points, but I especially love seeing us whizz a mid-court ball past them for a winner at the end of a long point. These shots are such momentum builders, and Noah was almost able to capitalize and find a way back into the match behind these shots.

Gideon Fights Off 3 Match Points

When a match isn't going your way, it is easy to just give in. Down 2-5 and 3 match points, Gid could have lost focus. But instead, he fought his way back to deuce in the game. He did it in various ways. Good returns. Long rallies. Quick recoveries. Passing shots and lobs. But he found a way to turn the pressure back onto his opponent. Love to see that!

Tristan and Justin's Second Set

At the beginning of the second set of #1D, Tristan and Justin looked in trouble. They looked down and out after having not won a game in the first set. I challenged them though to stick with the focus, and wow, they responded. Their shots, their feet, their net movement, their attitude... it all seemed to pick up in this match. I loved the number of times I saw them talking and laughing. And it reflected in the scores as well. They almost pushed the match really close several times. It was great character and focus to build on.

Second Round Energy

The JV's energy and enjoyment in the second round of matches was awesome. Despite the heat and having already played one full match, our team really seemed to love the opportunity to play more tennis. I must say, that's what makes me smile the most, when we just can't seem to get enough tennis!

What Were the Moments of Encouragement?
This segment is where I'll highlight ways that we built each other up during the match or the lead up to it.

Echoes

After the JV match, we were sitting around and eating. We were talking about how to cheer each other on. Isaya mentioned that during the match he heard a teammate call out "C'mon" in joy after a good point. Isaya went to cheer, but then wasn't sure if he should during the middle of the match. We were able to then introduce the ninth graders to the idea of the echo - when you hear someone cheer, you immediately echo the cheer. I can't wait to hear this in the coming matches, especially with our awesome group of ninth graders.

Let's Take a Moment of Intention

This is a space where I will offer a short prayer for the team.

Lord, help us remember what tennis is all about. Bringing our best, but just one point at a time. May we feel the freedom of this, the ability to start a new moment with every point. In Lamentations, the writer expresses that Your mercies are new every morning. There is such freedom in that newness. May we see how tennis illustrates that principle, that each new point is free of expectation and thus full of mercy. May we play in that joy, and thank You for the world of mercy around us.

Amen.

Scores

Varsity

#1S - Noah Schrock - 1-6, 1-6 - Isaac Stahly (12)

#2S - Gideon Miller - 2-6, 2-6 - Eli Stickel (10)

#3S - Ian McHugh - 0-6, 0-6 - Evan Hochstedler (12)

#1D - Tristan Mast/Justin Hochstedler - 0-6, 2-6 - Myles Mclaughlin (12)/Kyan Miller (11)

#2D - Emerson Landis/Keagan Meyer - 2-6, 1-6 - Tyler Scott (12)/Moses Kratzer (12)

Junior Varsity

#1SJV - Ethan Claassen - 0-4, 2-5 - Braxten Sheets (12)

#2SJV - Dominic Ramer - 1-4, 0-4 - Erich Schramm (12)

#3SJV - Isaya Magatti - 0-4, 4-0, 4-10 - David Stutzman (11)

#4SJV - Dominic Ramer - 2-4, 3-5 - Jordy Miller (9)

#1DJV - Adam Siemens Rhodes/Elliot Hertzler Gascho - 1-4, 1-4 - Jacob Murphy (12)/Anton Alstrom (12)

#2DJV - Malachi Yoder/Silas Martin - 1-4, 1-4 - Holden Ebright Zehr (9)/Mo Watt (10)

#3DJV - Adam Siemens Rhodes/Elliot Hertzler Gascho - 0-4, 4-5 (6) - Lawson Kauffman (12)/Tristan Keiser (9)

#4DJV - Isaya Magatti/Ethan Claassen - 2-4, 4-2, 7-10 - Jude Eberly (9)/Isaac Moore (9)

#5DJV - Malachi Yoder/Silas Martin - 4-1, 4-5 (7), 4-10 - Andrew Hughes (9)/Tristan Schmidt (9)

What We Really Enjoyed 2: Oak Farm

Match Reel 

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Varsity Recap

The varsity faced a new team tonight, the Oak Farm Falcons. Oak Farm is just starting its tennis program, actually fielding a team despite not yet having courts at the school. They have a plan to build the program that is really exciting. So we are honored to be a part of their very first season.

Our team was prepared for the match. With no threat of rain, we began warmups early focusing on consistency. The theme of the night was to really try to eliminate the simple unforced errors that can creep into our games. And so, we entered the match with that as a goal.

#1 doubles was the first match to get started after the warmup time, and the first match to end. Justin and Tristan had eased their way through their match. Tonight, even their second serves were difficult for their opponents to handle. But I especially loved the way the were ready at the net. With a little more time on the ball, they really volleyed well to clean up any second shots after the serve. 

#2 doubles followed, also with a match where their serves won them a lot of points. But with the #2D, the forehands and backhands looked especially well-struck in this match. Their opponents were fairly inexperienced, and didn't provide a lot of pace on their shots. This gave Emerson and Keagan time on the ball, and sometimes this time can make us overthink our shots or go for too much power. Emerson and Keagan simplified tonight, which was great. Simple shots to aggressive spots, that's the name of the game in doubles.

The singles match were constructed of much longer points. Though the Falcon opponents still didn't provide a ton of powerful tennis, they were athletic and consistent. Noah won his match without dropping a game, but it still lasted much longer than the doubles contests. Noah again looked impressive, coming up with whatever shot was needed in the point. Passing shots were especially noticeable, as was a backhand that was increasingly putting him in good spots. I continue to enjoy watching Noah come forward to the net as well, really taking advantage of his naturally soft touch there.

Gideon had the same type of match as Noah. There were many good, long points. Gideon served and returned really well in this match, which held back his opponent. Those two elements are crucial, and really set Gid up for a good match.

Finally, the longest match of the day was #3S. Ian's opponent was very skilled in retrieval, and so points were long. Ian couldn't quite find an attacking stroke, so often hit more defensive shots. In the end, Ian found ways to move toward strengths, and closed the last several games out quickly after some grinders in the middle.

All in all, the Bruins got a first win of the 2023 season. There are certainly more to come, maybe some that are more dramatic and tightly contested, but we are ready for more.

JV Recap

There was no JV match tonight, but we did get some practice in. It was really fun and encouraging to watch the guys work on their net game tonight, reading different types of shots and reacting to them. This is something that we have to get better at as a whole team, reading the spin and speed of shots and positioning ourselves correctly to hit the sweet spot. It was awesome seeing the team working through a fun drill together, really getting a lot of that kind of work in.

Moments of Joy
These are going to be moments that I saw in the match that were fun, beautiful and memorable! Again, just from what I happened to see :-)

Gideon's Returns

Gideon really stepped up and returned well in this match. His opponent had a sneaking, swerving, change up of a serve. Gideon adjusted his positioning early in the match and found that he could hit a pretty extreme angle cross court. Throughout the match, Gideon kept finding that shot and winning points. 

Noah's Net Play

Noah really focused on using mid-court balls to get forward to the net in this match. When he got there, Noah had a deft array of drop shots, deep slices, and overhead smashes. You can see one near the end of the reel above, but it was great.

Tristan and Justin's Touch

Tristan and Justin are strong players. Their power and serves are a great strength. But in today's match they worked on some touch, especially at the net. Tristan found really good spots to direct his forehands. Justin kept soft hands and solid drive on his forehands and volleys. I especially enjoyed watching the well placed approach shots in the match, as they worked two players forward to the net. 

Ice Cream Sandwiches

This is self-explanatory, right? The SGA (Student Government Association) brought ice cream sandwiches out for fans (and players) who were watching the match. Amazing!

Moments of Encouragement
This segment is where I'll highlight ways that we built each other up during the match or the lead up to it.

Team Buy-In

It was so cool to see the JV squad all stick around for the varsity only match. It's easy to get distracted in a sport like tennis, and imagine that this is all about being an individual. I really value the players who lean into the team support concept, and don't just play for themselves, but love to stay and laugh and enjoy the matches of their friends and teammates. Especially cool to see our ninth graders making that effort. It builds well for the future!

Moment of Intention

This is a space where I will offer a short prayer for the team.

Dear God,

Thanks for another match, another day with our team. Continue to help us feel ready and cared for in this new year of school and new year of tennis. May being on this team, in this season, be a blessing. And may we make it a blessing for others.

Amen.

Scores

Varsity

#1S - Noah Schrock - 6-0, 6-0 - Kochanski (10)

#2S - Gideon Miller - 6-0, 6-0 - Elias (10)

#3S - Ian McHugh - 6-1, 6-2 - Moser (10)

#1D - Tristan Mast/Justin Hochstedler - 6-0, 6-0 - Linthicum (11)/Lowe (10)

#2D - Emerson Landis/Keagan Meyer - 6-0, 6-1 - Schoonover (11)/Fitzharris (9)

Team Focus: Philippians 4:4-9

 

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What We Really Enjoyed 1: Northridge

Reel

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Varsity Recap

Last night, our match was just about to get started when the skies opened up with rain. Tonight, as we pulled into Northridge HS, it felt like the same thing might happen. But instead, just after the introductions of the lineup, the sun came out and we were able to enjoy a gorgeous night of tennis.

And I would say that it was a night that went about just like expected. As a team, we definitely didn't play our best tennis - well, we had some flashes. But overall, it was a nervous, first match of the year energy that we played with. Probably because it was our first match of the year. 

Things started well enough up and down the courts. Noah, Gideon, Ian, and #1 doubles all took games early in their matches and looked like they'd be competitive throughout. We started with good energy, but Northridge did too. The Raiders are an experienced team this season, with five seniors playing. That's a lot of high school tennis played, even if it hasn't all been varsity level. So, they came out with good play as well.

At the doubles positions, the Raiders did a really nice job of controlling the net. So much of doubles is putting pressure on your opponents by getting into attacking positions and then finishing when you have the chance. The #1 doubles team also combined their great court position with swinging out wide serves that made returning cross court difficult. This court advantage and placement skill made it difficult for our doubles teams to stay aggressive in the match. Throw in some first match jitters and we found ourselves trying to dig out of a hole. 

There were definitely bright spots of play for both doubles, especially the first set from #1 doubles and the second set for #2D. In those sets, we were able to stay loose and play with a lot of belief. That joyful attitude puts pressure on by itself, and keeps us swinging looser and better. 

At the singles positions, Gideon and Ian both had similar matches. They were very close and tight in the first set as we tried to figure each other out. Both struggled with a bit of inconsistency in serve and in finishing out points. They had matches that they could compete in and they knew it. As often happens, knowing you can win can put pressure on. And as Gideon and Ian couldn't quite find the finishing shots to end points, they both felt the frustration that can come in tennis as well. We were incredibly proud of how they kept at it, and found some really good shots and serves in each moment. But the second sets in both of these matches slowly slipped away from us. Really good moments to build on though!

At #1 singles, Noah got to reap the fruit of his practice. We've been working on keeping the ball deep in the court, and Noah got to see first hand the difference that made. Playing against a super talented freshman who likes to get on attack and use his angles, Noah found that if he dropped balls short and high in the court he was constantly at a disadvantage. Working the ball deeper though would take away his opponent's angles and allow Noah the time he wanted to go to work. When Noah kept the ball consistently deep in the court, he won games. When he didn't, the close games would go to his opponent. Noah was able to mix in the deep rallies with booming serves, and was able to close out a great opening day victory for his position!

So, all in all, the Bruins competed well. Lots of nerves out of the system against a good team, and we'll be ready to build. Most of us played our best tennis at some point during the match, now sustaining that level and having fun in that space is where we want to start from. I can't wait. I really enjoy watching the team grow!

JV Recap

This was a match that went as could be expected. Many of our JV were playing their first matches of their career, against a Raider JV that featured 3 seniors and 3 juniors (and no freshman). So we started out nervous and not quite moving our feet and being assertive like we might want to. 

In most matches, we went down by many games at the beginning of the match. This seemed to be due to a lot of standing and getting put in awkward spots to hit awkward shots. Then we would hit the ball out. Continuing to move in between shots is such a big difference maker in being consistent and consistently improving. 

One spot where that was evident was with Dominic at #2 singles JV. He was moving and motivated from the beginning and was able to have an awesome match. It was always very close, with long, consistent points and very few silly errors from either player. It was fun to see Dominic's movement and belief both on display. In the end, Dominic couldn't quite find the attacking shots to pull out the victory, but it was a joy to watch. More on that in later sections.

But many people built confidence as the match went on. Isaya's match was a good example of that. After getting down 1-6, Isaya worked his way back into the match. His strokes were more consistent and forced more from his opponent. Isaya got it back to 4-6, but couldn't quite climb out of the big hole from the beginning of the match. But his best play was there at the end of the match.

Also, as people got to playing second matches, we also saw the consistency build. Malachi, Silas, Ethan and Adam all got to play a second round, and they were relaxed and ready to go in these matches. It was super fun to watch and see us not playing tense.

Moments of Joy
These are going to be moments that I saw in the match that were fun, beautiful and memorable! Again, just from what I happened to see :-)

Noah's Passing Shots

You can see one on the reel, but I loved watching Noah's low, driven passing shots when his opponent would attack the net. These shots made it difficult for the Raider's #1 to volley, but also gave energy to Noah and to the team. 

Dominic's Match

Nothing but positive. Dominic came to tennis last year with a lot of determination, and he has really worked hard to improve his game. It showed in this match, where he played a long, incredible match. Despite only playing a one set match, he was the last Bruin off the court. His forehands and backhands were on, he was serving consistently. Awesome to see the jump in his game this season. Loved it! 

Emerson and Keagan's Fun

The first set was tight, but the second set you could see the #2 doubles team actually enjoying tennis. Even though they continued to sail some returns long, the loose way they played really helped them find their best moments. Net play from the guys was incredible, and they continued to build their serves. But smiles were the best thing to see.

JV Gets Better

Just to highlight this again, the JV played their best tennis the longer their matches went. As they relaxed, they started to find the best parts of their games. That was awesome. Now we know right where to pick up in the next match :-)

Moments of Encouragement
This segment is where I'll highlight ways that we built each other up during the match or the lead up to it.

Leadership

Dominic's match was the last match on. All of the rest of the team had just finished, and were standing around the fence, chatting about their matches and their thoughts. Suddenly, one of our senior leaders realized that Dominic was still playing and we were far away from his match. This was mentioned, and the whole team moved to gather behind Dominic's court. It was a move of team unity that I love to see. And when Dominic didn't come out on top, the team all moved down to tell him that it was all good, he had played well. Love it when we watch each other and show the encouragement.

Moment of Intention

This is a space where I will offer a short prayer for the team.

God, thanks for a night to get this season underway. I pray that we learn both tennis and character lessons from tonight, and that we continue to turn toward each other in joy. May we experience the sheer and savage joy of swinging our rackets at a moving target, and not take for granted the awesome experience it is to be on a team together. Thanks!

Amen.

Scores

Varsity

#1S - Noah Schrock - 6-3, 6-3 - Seth Lomas (9)

#2S - Gideon Miller - 3-6, 1-6 - Elijah Shell (12)

#3S - Ian McHugh - 4-6, 1-6 - Daniel Vaughn (12)

#1D - Tristan Mast/Justin Hochstedler - 1-6, 1-6 - Nolan Mellott (12)/Mason Bales (11)

#2D - Emerson Landis/Keagan Meyer - 0-6, 3-6 - Lucas Wensel (12)/Gabe Miller (12)

Junior Varsity

#1SJV - Ethan Claassen - 0-8 - Josiah Schrock (10)

#2SJV - Dominic Ramer - 7-9 - Peyton Graber (10)

#3SJV - Isaya Magatti - 4-8 - Gavin Mullens (11)

#4SJV - Malachi Yoder - 6-2 - Joseph Snyder (10)

#5SJV - Silas Martin - 0-6 - Silvan von Holzen (10)

#1DJV - Adam Siemens Rhodes/Elliot Hertzler Gascho - 2-8 - Trayton Cole (12)/Aden Yi (11)

#2DJV - Malachi Yoder/Silas Martin - 0-8 - Andrew McDonough (12)/Ollie Burnstine (10)

#3DJV - Adam Siemens Rhodes/Ethan Claassen - 6-0 - Gael Delgado (11)/Emi Delgado (12)

What We Really Enjoyed 0: Angola Scrimmage

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Match Report

The Bruins headed to Angola on a gorgeous August day, after completing our first day of the school year. The seniors led us through stretching and a quick warmup and it was out to the courts for our first round of play.

In a brief observation of the Hornets as we walked past their warm up, I had noticed what great servers they were. I felt like our guys could use a heads up, so I let them know that if we could be on our toes and make returns, we could compete. 

And that became a theme of the match. In the positions where we controlled our returns well, we competed well. In the positions and segments that we struggled to keep the ball in, we struggled to score well or consistently.

In the end, there were many things to celebrate. Noah Schrock really had a good night, winning his 3 segments convincingly. Noah's shots were solid and his serve was a great weapon.

Justin and Tristan had a belter of a match, where 4 really good servers played really good doubles. This match had ebbs and flows, where each side was playing well and then another section where they were really down. I was proud of these two as they were able to pick themselves up out of periods of poor play.

Gideon competed really well against a wide variety of opponents - one match that was all about serving and returning, one that was all about groundstrokes, and one that was a mix of both. That versatility will be important for the Bruins this year.

Ethan and Dominic both competed well against straight forward opponents, but struggled a bit against the same tricky player. The JV as a whole will need to adapt to different types of spins and develop footwork and anticipation to match the pace and spin of their opponents. 

The #1DJV position was strong all night long. Adam, Keagan and Elliot all got opportunities to provide leadership to our other young players and also to their opponents. I was really proud of the work this group put in, and the joy they bring to the team.

I could go on... Emerson's serving, the ninth graders getting some first tastes of both victory and defeat, the myriad of beautiful points, quick volleys, and hustle. But what I really want to finish with is...

Pizza King!

I really enjoyed sitting with the team and having a meal. Unpacking the joys and fears of the first day of school, conversations about why I should buy my kids a gaming system, and good food just add to the tradition of stopping here at the beginning of each school year. 

It's amazing how great traditions endure. I used to eat at Pizza King with my high school team after our tennis matches in the '90s - now almost 25 years later I still get to eat there with my team. I used to order Hawaiian pizza with BBQ sauce on every date night that Courtney and I took. Now, I still get that... and many other players have learned about it's deliciousness. Anyways, I stepped onto the bus to drive home feeling really grateful for this team.

Can't wait to go through the season with this team. I think I'm going to really enjoy it.

August Schedule - Reel

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