What We Really Enjoyed 5: Prairie Heights

Enjoy Some Highlights!

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What Happened in the Varsity Match?

This match was supposed to happen a day earlier, but the one patch of rain had other plans. So instead, we played on a beautiful Wednesday night - one day before the seniors left on their Senior Trip.

And maybe the extra day helped relax us, because we played so well! At each of the courts, we went out with a really good, confident energy. The singles positions all took quick and early leads, but I was especially impressed at how we played. Noah gave no chance to his opponent, ending points with cross court forehands and perfect lobs. Gideon was really on tonight, putting his opponent in difficult positions and drawing errors. And Ian was in attack mode tonight, serving well and finding overheads. 

At the doubles, we started strong as well. In the first sets, we dictated play and drew errors from our opponents. We were really confident in what we were doing, and moved our opponents around, taking charge of the points. 

The second sets for singles proceeded like the first. It was a really good day for our singles players, both in scoreline and the way they played. And that second part is definitely the most important. If we play well, I'm not too concerned about the winning and losing of games. Today, both happened, which is a joyous blessing!

For doubles, we became too tentative in the second sets. We second guessed ourselves, and found that we were not as in charge of the points. This led us, ironically, into more errors... and into setting up our opponents. However, I was really proud of the grit of the doubles teams. Though they didn't have their best strokes, and though their opponents grew in confidence and skill, they didn't panic and get pushed to a third set. They served out the set with little fanfare and got to enjoy the win!

So, a 5-0 victory for the Bruins!

What Happened in the JV Match?

First of all, though it didn't get it's own match report, the JV played an awesome match against Wawasee's JV right before the Prairie Heights match. With the team score tied 2-2, Ethan Claassen won a ten point tiebreaker to seal a win for the JV. Which is amazing! I was so excited for the team to get a close and wonderful win!

Against the Panthers of Prairie Heights, our team looked great. What I really loved is that despite our team having limited experience (like most of us didn't grow up playing tennis), we really have a good sense of where to be and how to hit our shots. Tonight's match saw great movement out of each of the players, and that paid off with easy wins at most of the positions. I really loved watching Malachi and Isaya play some doubles together, as they hadn't partnered together in a match until tonight. Seeing them adapt, encourage and take a victory was awesome. Silas, Ethan and Elliot all got singles matches tonight, and it was super fun to watch their footwork and forehands. Ethan especially is really getting a sense of strategy, and Silas and Elliot did so well to keep shots in play and stay focused. 

I don't know, I just found myself really proud of the JV... both in this match and in the progress we're making!

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 :-)

Aces

I've been encouraging players on their cards to really think about and improve their concentration on serves. One thing I asked tonight, for a couple of players, was to see a certain number of aces. Usually a small number, like 2. Instead, I saw aces all over the courts. Emerson and Justin probably led the count, but Noah hit 3 in his final service game alone. Gid hit several, Ian was going big, and JV players like Ethan, Elliot and Silas piled up some aces as well. We've been focusing on serve, so it was good to see it pay off. 

Overheads on Court 1

I don't know what it was on court 1 tonight, but players were pounding overheads on that court. First, Ian led us off with a flurry of good overhead putaways, even several from the baseline line. It looked really natural for Ian tonight, so that was good to see. Then, as #1DJV followed Ian's match, both Isaya and Malachi had opportunity to slam down lobs. We caught one of Isaya's and put it in the reel, but Malachi really powered several flying overheads, making them look like old school Sampras slam dunks (look it up if you don't know what I'm referring to). Great slams today!

Silas's Movement-Filled Point

Silas played a number of wonderful points in the match, but one stood out. First, Silas served the ball wide forcing a very weak returner from the Panther opponent. It was so framed that it even though it bounced in, Silas's momentum from running to it pulled him off of his court and almost into Malachi and Isaya's! As soon as Silas had smacked a forehand back toward the opponent, Silas turned and sprinted back across the front of the net. As he did, the opponent thought he had enough room to make the pass right down the middle of the court. But Silas arrived just in time to hit a volley winner with his forehand. It was a point that showcased all the skill Silas has been developing.

Hearing Footsteps

I could tell Justin and Tristan were playing well tonight when I could hear their feet. Both players can get energetic and their sneakers squeak against the asphalt. Getting ready to return, I'll hear the repeated bounce. After a serve, I'll hear a a scamper of soles across the hardcourt. It's almost guaranteed when I hear this that they are playing a good point.

Ethan's Aggressive Forehands

Sometimes, it takes time for players to overcome timidity and hit the shot that needs to be hit. For me, it took several seasons of tennis. I love that Ethan is using his strengths with confidence right now, in matches that he could win in other ways. Especially with Ethan combined his athletic forehands with athletic footwork, he could not be stopped. You can see a couple of these forehands in the reel!

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.

Next Gen

There is something special about seeing our players interacting with players who are not yet on the team but might be. Tonight, after the match, after the meal, Gideon, Malachi, and Isaya grabbed a 7th grade sibling and went out to play doubles. And then as we had practice the other day, some 9th graders who will be on the girls team this spring were invited out to play as we warmed up. Encouragement and joy for tennis is something that can always be spread, it never runs out. I love watching our team spread that joy to others.

Let's Take a Moment of Intention

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

Lord, 

Thanks for the amazing team that we have this year. These are people that I am glad to spend many nights of the week with, when it rains and delays us and when it doesn't. Thanks for the joy that they bring to each other. May they feel Your Spirit through the encouragement of their teammates.

Amen.

Scores

Varsity

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

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

#3S - Ian McHugh - 6-0, 6-0 - Chase Hayward (9)

#1D - Tristan Mast/Justin Hochstedler - 6-2, 6-4 - Luke Krapfl (12)/Braden Moor (10)

#2D - Emerson Landis/Adam Siemens Rhodes - 6-2, 6-4 - Brady Strater (10)/Sean Bontreger (10)

Junior Varsity

#1SJV - Ethan Claassen - 8-1 - Aiden Jewell (9)

#2SJV - Elliot Hertzler Gascho - 8-0 - Jayden Milliman (10)

#3SJV - Silas Martin - 6-2 - Aiden Jewell (9)

#1DJV - Isaya Magatti/Malachi Yoder - 8-3 - John Graziano (10)/Carson Bentley (9)