I really like the way... Sectional Final v. Fairfield

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Recap
It was a beautiful Friday night as the Bruins competed for the Sectional title against the Fairfield Falcons. Fairfield entered the evening with an 18-2 record, and had beaten the Bruins 3-2 earlier in the season.

The two positions that we really needed to win to have a chance tonight were the #2 and #3 singles positions. Gideon and Judah had won in tight matches earlier in the season. Tonight, Judah pulled ahead early, continuing the fantastic tennis he's played here at the end of the season. Taking the first set, he raced out to a lead in the second as well.

Gideon's match started on serve, Gideon trailing early 2-1. Then, like the Sectional Semi-Final, Gideon ripped off 5 straight games to take the set. He really was steady in these games, not making mistakes and finding a great rhythm. The second set started on serve again, but Gideon made the breakthrough, taking a 4-1 lead.

Both Judah and Gideon were able to close out their matches and give the Bruins two needed points on the night.

Unfortunately, the other three matches didn't go our way. #1D and #2D came out with great focus and energy in their matches. They took the leads in the early games and had game points to get on the board. But they couldn't quite convert and fell into early 3-0 holes.

But there was plenty of fight in the Bruins. Malachi and Ethan came back, pushing toward the net and putting pressure on their opponents groundstrokes. Emerson and Keagan ripped forehands from the baseline, sometimes right through their opponents at the net.

But all credit to the Falcons, they responded each time. They played some of the most error free and solid tennis the Bruins have faced this season. They took the first sets and the confidence that came with that at both doubles spots.

Fairfield built solid leads in the second set as well, but the Bruins made a final push. Both doubles teams played their best tennis in these second sets, pushing and trying to make the matches go on. But again, things fell off and the Bruins lost both doubles after putting up a great effort.

And it was another stellar effort from Noah against his undefeated opponent at #1S. Noah tried every strategy in the book, high shots, low shots, slice, power, coming to the net, moonballing... and the Falcon #1 dealt with them all. In the end, the variety and skill of Noah's game was on display. He can be so proud of all that he's gained and showed for the Bruins. Yet it wasn't enough to find the third point.

And so the Bruin season comes to an end. I can't put into words how incredibly proud I am of this team and its accomplishments. For now, I'll just end by saying I love how this team played in a way that was positive, electric, and full of belief. Thanks for a great season!

Love you Bruins!

I really like the way...

This will be a segment of each match report where I'll highlight amazing things - points, efforts, encouragements from the match.

- I really like the way the JV supported us

Even before the match they were lending their energy. We were the only school throughout the week that brought their whole JV with us, and our guys were engaged and helpful. They gave us energy with every good point. They got to hear and see exactly what Sectional is like, so they are ready for their chance next year. I can't wait to see them step up.

- I really like the way we played

Despite the scores, we played really well tonight. We pushed our opponents, we made them come up with great tennis and great shots. They just... did. But I don't regret the way we were playing. We stayed positive. Even when we were down big, every point seemed to give us new hope and new energy. I loved that.

- I really liked the way we ended together

The seasons really starts together at tennis camp, where we hang out, play games, and eat together. Tonight, at Dominic's, we ended the same way. Playing Madden and ping-pong. Eating pizza. Just spending time together. It's a reminder that we really do this sports thing because of the people. And I'm thankful for this group of people!

Prayer
God, thanks for this season. It was unbelievable. Many blessings and memories formed together. Thanks for the way You were with us, in the good and the bad. We are grateful, and worship You.

Amen.

Scores

Varsity

#1S - Noah Schrock - 0-6, 1-6 - Garrett Stoltzfus (12)

#2S - Gideon Miller - 6-2, 6-2 - Drew Beachey (10)

#3S - Judah Miller - 6-2, 6-1 - Conner LeCount (11)

#1D - Emerson Landis/Keagan Meyer - 2-6, 0-6 - Brant Garber (11)/Andrew Mathews (11)
#2D - Ethan Claassen/Malachi Yoder - 0-6, 1-6 - Cameron Cripe (11)/Grady Garber (11)