I really like the way... Sectional Semi-Final v. Bremen

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Recap
In the first round of Sectional, the Bruins took on the Bremen Lions. Fans gathered to see if the Bruins could turn around a 3-2 loss to the Lions from earlier in the season. 

And the Bruins came out on fire. All five positions took leads early in the first sets. Noah played close games where he wasn't quite finding his best game, but was often winning the big points. Noah's opponent was really swinging away at his shots tonight, hitting much bigger serves and attacking groundstrokes than the last time we faced the Lions. His attacking style forced some errors, but Noah was able to find the right shot at the big moments. Though the match wasn't moving quickly, Noah build a 4-1 lead and was able to close out the first set.

Gideon was in a great place, serving well and being patient, making his opponent hit multiple volleys to win points. His opponent was always trying to put pressure on, either by making the points long and consistent or by driving a low ball and attacking the net. Today, Gideon was keeping cool and making the Bremen player dig out tough low volleys if he attacked. That was setting Gideon up with mid-court balls to make the passing shots. After trailing 2-1 on serve, Gid ran off a series of 8 straight excellent games to take the first set and stretch out to a 3-0 lead in the second. It was great tennis, on the front foot and in control of points without overhitting.

Judah was also playing well. His style of staying on his toes and never giving in was paying dividends. His Lion opponent had beautiful groundstrokes, with plenty of power. But Judah was a pro at finding the right shots to draw errors. He hit his forehand cross court to drive into the left-handed player's backhand. He found a variety of shots to move the Bremen #3 around the court. Judah played with great tempo and confidence, winning the first set and moving ahead in the second.

At the doubles, Emerson and Keagan were sharp, the perfect balance of placement and pace. The groundstrokes in this early part of the match were so beautiful, driving the Lions deep back in the court. We were also sniping off points at the net. What I loved early in the match is that Emerson and Keagan were really winning the big points, putting the games into deuce and then getting the Ad. It was nip and tuck close, but we were staying in a positive mindset. 

And Malachi and Ethan were forcing errors as they drove forward in the court. These two did a great job serving and being a presence at the net. It was something else to see Ethan flying around the back of the court, and then Malachi back and forth at the net. It was a great first set for the Bruins, converting on their energy and putting it into footwork and form. Their pointed and intentional tennis pushed their opponents back, and many Lion shots ended up in net or drifted long. 

So, the Bruins ended up winning first sets at 4 of the 5 positions. Gideon continued his great play on the day, and was the first to serve out his match and win the first team point for the Bruins. It was a great win for Gideon, turning around a spot that we had lost when we faced the Lions at the Bremen Invitational. 

#1D had lost a really close first set, down to just the difference of one break of serve. Their opponents had continually gotten more consistent throughout the first set. This continued in the second. Without errors from their opponents, more was required of the #1D's shot and net attacking. They've shown this ability throughout the year, in matches like Northridge and Jimtown. But tonight, the attacking balls seemed to clip the tape or sail a bit wide. The Lions took the #1D spot.

But Noah followed with a victory, fending off an opponent who was playing inspired with some patient points. Noah continues to be the champion of our program, winning in ways that get the job done. Tonight, his forehand really helped him, and he provided the second point for the Bruins.

The final point of the Bruin victory was provided by Judah, who held off nerves and an amazing set from his opponent to seal the Semi-Final win. In the second, Judah led 5-2 when his opponent just decided to lock-in and not hit any balls out. Trying to finish out the match was a challenge, but Judah served a great game, and played an excellent match point, hitting so well and watching an opponent backhand fly past the baseline for the win.

#2D had journeyed into a third set at this point, which they didn't end up winning. They had continued to have moments of great aggression, taking a 2-1 lead in the final set. But some errors began to pile up and their opponents had tightened the screws on their own games. Malachi and Ethan needed to force some errors but found themselves a bit too much on the back foot. They cheered as Judah provided the point to move the Bruins on to the Sectional Final, and they'll be ready to attack that match.

So the Bruins had a 3-2 victory and are into the Sectional final. So proud of the calm confidence we showed tonight. It was a great way to start off a Sectional.

Let's go 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

I could hear them throughout the match. Calling out, getting the varsity guys to echo back. Giving energy to the places that we needed energy. In every match, we need the encouragement and support. Those outside the fence play such a crucial role in getting the team over the finish line. I loved the way our JV were positive and electric, and filled us with belief tonight.

- I really like the way we started the match

We talked before the match about coming out calm and confident. We did exactly that. I could really feel the belief in that early part of the match. Every court was decisive in their movement and groundstrokes. I believe that is what confidence really brings, a simplicity that allows us to have fun with what tennis is really about: swinging away at that moving target and enjoying ourselves as we face that challenge. I loved the way we did that!

- I really like the way we continue to be

I'll say it over and over. I like this team, this group of people. From the seniors to the 9th graders, this is a fun group to hang out with. Thanks for being there together today!

Prayer
God, we are grateful again for another beautiful day of tennis. Grateful for another day with our team. Grateful for the people you are moving us to be. Ultimately, we want to pursue trust in You over everything else. We know that we might not always succeed, but we believe that the desire to please You does please You. We thank You for the attitudes You enable us to have, and we pray for moments of joy that we can share with one another. We pray that we show Your loving and supportive care to each other as well. Thanks for all that You are, for Your way in the world.

Amen.

Scores

Varsity

#1S - Noah Schrock - 6-2, 6-3 - Brock Ginter (12)

#2S - Gideon Miller - 6-2, 6-2 - Chase Devine (10)

#3S - Judah Miller - 6-0, 6-4 - Corbin VanVuren (11)

#1D - Emerson Landis/Keagan Meyer - 3-6, 1-6 - Max Barnes (11)/Maddux Hickman (11)
#2D - Ethan Claassen/Malachi Yoder - 6-3, 2-6, 2-6 - Micah Porter (11)/Blake Grove (12)