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)

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)

Sectional Draw

 

Let's go, Bruins!

I really like the way... Elkhart

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Varsity Recap
The Elkhart Lions came to Bethany as the #26th ranked team in the state of Indiana. The Bruins certainly put out great effort, but couldn't find a way to defeat the Lions as a team. The Miller brothers had strong first sets, but saw things fall away at #2 and #3 singles. #1D struggled to find their shots tonight against the pace and movement of the Elkhart #1's.

But at #2D, Malachi and Ethan made the Lions feel their aggression. They played a decent first set, but didn't give up in the second. They continued to move, to challenge, to put the Lions in positions where they had to come up with difficult shots. Certainly playing their best tennis of the year, they pushed their match into a third set before falling in the darkness.

And finally, Noah played a very Noah match. The first set slipped away, but just at the end Noah found a sliver of strategy and therefore hope. Then he executed that to take a lead and run away with the second set. He took a big lead in the third to win another match on the season. This is what Noah does so often, even if he has nerves, or if his opponent is playing amazing, Noah weathers the storm and figures it out. 

In the end, the Bruins fell 4-1. But this was great competition moving us toward the post-season. Let's go Bruins!

JV Recap
The JV played at Elkhart for this match, so I didn't get video. They continued to challenge well, with Eli Steiner grabbing another victory on the season and Dominic pulling out a singles win as well. Again, I find myself super proud of the progress of this group.

As the JV season comes to an end, I really want to celebrate the progress of these players. We went from losing matches easily to teams at the beginning of the season, to taking them to tiebreaks at the end. Silas finishes with 11 wins on the season, which is amazing. Aaron and Lucas definitely began playing their best tennis, pushing the varsity in practice and winning many matches the last week of this season. Eli ended the year finding a forehand that doesn't just go in, but causes problems for his opponents. Josiah got his closest scores, Ender figured out his attacks. Preston has figured out a serve that gets things started and a forehand that keeps the rallies going. It has been awesome to see Dominic transition to some solid singles. Isaya has developed tools in his game that put pressure on his opponents. 

Seeing all these things come together is what builds the team. Can't wait to see all of our players move into a successful offseason!

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 that Noah believes

There's no panic in Noah. At least, not outwardly. After playing as bad of a set as I've seen Noah play, he locked in. No panic, no excuses. Just finding a plan and believing in it. That believing in it part is almost as important as finding a plan in the first place. If we can be decisive, positive about our strategy, it ultimately gains effectiveness.

- I really like the way we bounce

In all of our matches, it's fun to see the confidence flow. I can see that when I see players bouncing in between points. I can see it on their faces. I love when we get that look in our eye, a relaxed confidence. A letting go and enjoying ourselves. A realization that we're going to be okay, no matter what. And then we get a very calm, very assured bounce to our game. I saw that tonight to begin the match from all of our players. We saw Noah and #2D bring it back after losing first sets. I love the positivity of it!

Prayer
God, this match was a difficult one at points. It felt like we were fighting darkness and sometimes fighting ourselves. But in those spaces are always the slivers of hope, the slivers of Your kingdom. People who will hold us up, people who believe in us, places we can trust in You. Bring us into that trust!

Amen.

Scores

Varsity

#1S - Noah Schrock - 1-6, 6-1, 6-1 - Brady Kelly (12)

#2S - Gideon Miller - 4-6, 0-6 - Logan Kelly (10)

#3S - Judah Miller - 3-6, 1-6 - Ben Miller (12)

#1D - Emerson Landis/Keagan Meyer - 1-6, 0-6 - Noah Dibley (12)/Cameron Miller (10)
#2D - Ethan Claassen/Malachi Yoder - 3-6, 6-3, 3-6 - Matt Grolich (12)/Hayden Heckaman (11)

Junior Varsity

#1SJV - Isaya Magatti - 1-4, 4-1, 2-4 - Lucas Karbaldeali (11)
#2SJV - Dominic Ramer - 1-4, 1-4 - Nate Windy (11)
#3SJV - Preston Miller - 0-4, 1-4 - Austin Linn (10)
#4SJV - Eli Steiner - 4-2, 4-1 - Dom Berkovich (9)
#5SJV - Dominic Ramer - 6-0 - Brody Rankin (10)
#1DJV - Silas Martin/Aaron Hochstetler - 1-4, 1-4 - Cortland Keim (11)/Adam Grolich (10)
#2DJV - Ender Finnigan/Josiah Aguilar Clark - 0-4, 2-4 - Albert Simeri (12)/Jackson Mitchell (10)
#3DJV - Ender Finnigan/Preston Miller - 6-7 (0) - Caden Foster (9)/Brady Cox (9)

I really like the way... Fairfield

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Varsity Recap

After a 6-0 week last week, we enter the last week of the regular season playing our best tennis of the season. Tonight, we faced the Falcons of Fairfield, a team with a 16-2 record and a #5 ranking in the NE Indiana District.

And we faced the Falcons with strength. All of our positions really came to challenge and believe tonight. 

Noah faced the best player he's seen all season. After struggling in the first set, Noah found competitive fire to make the second set closer. In both sets, Noah continued to make points and game close and long. At times, it just seemed like the final strike was missing or drifting. The Falcon #1S player absolutely is amongst the top that we'll see, and so he was not giving away any easy mistakes. Noah lost the match, only his second on the season.

At #1D, Keagan and Emerson are back in a confident place where they are just going for their shots. In this match, they hit huge off the ground. Against a good team, we found that the placement of these shots mattered so much. We got ahead in the rallies when we hit our spots, but the Falcons had great hands on their volleys if we got too close to them. In both sets we rallied after falling behind, showing great belief. Each time I thought that we were going to tie it up and send the set to a tiebreak, but each time we fell just short.

At #2D, the Bruins got out to a very hot start. Malachi and Ethan were both focused and confident. Our net play was particularly inspiring, both simple and strong. Malachi has improved his serve quite a bit in the past week, Ethan was hitting his serve well. And so starting out this match, we drew errors. We built a lead early, but the Falcons didn't fade away. They got a bit more aggressive, and the set tightened, but we stayed strong. It went to a tiebreak,  where we got just a little tentative. That was enough to fall behind and lose the tiebreak first set. In the second set we couldn't find the same energy, and #2D saw the Falcons earn their third team point. 

In the other 2 singles matches, we continued to play great tennis. Judah found all sorts of lobs, power shots and angles as his opponent tried to find a way past him. Trailing 4-2 in the first set, Judah went on a run of great play to take the first set (6-4) and grow a big lead (5-1) in the second. In this stretch he had all sorts of strokes working, especially his backhand pass and lob. Judah sealed up the second set to give the Bruins our first point.

Gideon continued to play really solid and calm tennis. Points in this #2S match were long, as each player hit well but didn't want to make errors. It seemed like a very tactical match, where the opponents were probing the defenses and looking for weaknesses. Gideon broke away from a close beginning, and took the first set. In the second, he followed the same pattern and gathered two match points while leading 5-3 in the second. He failed to take those match points and instead became nervous, eventually falling behind 6-5. But Gideon regrouped really well, came out confident, and finished out the match in a second set tiebreak.

So, it was a 3-2 loss for the Bruins, but one that gives us a lot of belief!

JV Recap
The JV match against Fairfield was all the way back on September 9. It couldn't have been different conditions. When the JV played it was hot, humid... the kind of Indiana summer day that just feels like everything is still and nothing wants to move. With Fairfield having so many JV players (I think 27!) the Bruins all had to play multiple matches. 

The first round didn't go super well, and set a kind of tone of malaise for the final few rounds. It feels weird to look back at this match now, because late in the season we've become much better at energy and movement. 

But our dip in energy wasn't for lack in trying. Isaya was grinding away trying to find ways to win points. Josiah really was learning how to move and time his swings and began understanding that in this match. Eli and Preston were in one of their closest matches. Lucas and Aaron made a big comeback in their last match, while Ender and Silas won their final round. 

But it really does seem like months ago, even though it was just two weeks ago!

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 we love to play

One of the most inspiring things about this team is that they love the movement and play of this game. Long after the match was over tonight, I had to kick the players off the court because they'd been playing for more than an hour after we'd finished eating. Even then, we had players who wanted to stay some and promised they'd clean up after they served or rallied or whatever. I'm grateful for the way we just love the game.

- I really like the way we regrouped

Tonight, when things went badly, we kept belief. We rallied. Across multiple positions, we were able to come back when we fell behind. Gideon, Keagan, Noah, Judah, Emerson... all of these players fell behind and made a comeback. That's so important when you are playing good opponents. Take a point, take a game, you can do it! I loved seeing the way we did that tonight.

Prayer
God, in so many ways, I want to trust You. I want to trust You to help us grow stronger, to move us through our worries, to deal with disappoint. But then I find myself trying to figure out what to do. Help me to take a breath and feel the security of Your acceptance and love. Help us to grow in our patience. I pray that the desire to be trusting pleases You. May we continue to move towards Your way.

Amen.

Scores

Varsity

#1S - Noah Schrock - 0-6, 2-6 - Garrett Stoltzfus (12)

#2S - Gideon Miller - 6-2, 7-6 (3) - Drew Beachey (10)

#3S - Judah Miller - 6-4, 6-2 - Conner LeCount (11)

#1D - Emerson Landis/Keagan Meyer - 3-6, 4-6 - Brant Garber (11)/Andrew Mathews (11)
#2D - Ethan Claassen/Malachi Yoder - 6-7 (4), 1-6 - Cameron Cripe (11)/Grady Garber (11)

Junior Varsity (from September 9)

#1SJV - Isaya Magatti - 3-6 - Matthew Holsopple
#2SJV - Isaya Magatti - 0-6 - Ben Pencose
#3SJV - Isaya Magatti - 3-6 - Kohen Hill
#4SJV - Josiah Aguilar Clark - 1-6 - Logan Moore
#5SJV - Josiah Aguilar Clark - 2-6 - Trey Brenneman
#6SJV - Josiah Aguilar Clark - 1-6 - Ethan Clem
#1DJV - Lucas Bateman/Aaron Hochstetler - 2-6 - Brockton Miller/Jaydon Riegsecker
#2DJV - Lucas Bateman/Aaron Hochstetler - 0-6 - Nate Bailey/Brady Park
#3DJV - Lucas Bateman/Aaron Hochstetler - 3-6 - Karter Brickey/Easton Garber
#4DJV - Silas Martin/Ender Finnigan - 1-6 - Zack Mehlberg/Drew Bailey
#5DJV - Silas Martin/Ender Finnigan - 2-6 - Jacob Mast/Adler Bender
#6DJV - Silas Martin/Ender Finnigan - 6-1 - Eli Lehman/Darren Moore
#7DJV - Preston Miller/Eli Steiner - 0-6 - Jesse Bontrager/Braxton Landry
#8DJV - Preston Miller/Eli Steiner - 2-6  - Liam Fowler/Daniel Stout
#9DJV - Preston Miller/Eli Steiner - 4-6  - Dane Moser/Alex Uslavstev

I really like the way... Portage Invite

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Round 1 Recap - v. Merrillville

We started our day against the Pirates of Merrillville. We knew little about our opponents, other than that they had the lowest win total of any of our three opponents for the day. With a beautiful spread of 12 courts to get the matches started on, we all started play at the same time. 

And all the matches had a similar flow. We were working through the games comfortably, but I really liked the way we were establishing a confident rhythm. Our feet were bouncing, we were focused on what we needed to do, but we were doing these things with a lightness. With belief. It was getting us into a great space for the day.

In the end, we only dropped 1 game across the five matches. We certainly had opportunities for closer matches, especially at #3S where the Pirate player was very consistent and didn't give up errors easily. But even there, Judah was able to keep calm and grab the 6-0, 6-0 victory. Malachi and Ethan really controlled the net well and spun in cross court shots. Emerson and Keagan served extremely well. And Gideon and Noah continued do dominate.

It was an energetic and electric start to the day.

Round 2 Recap - v. Triton

Next up was a match with the Triton team we had played earlier in the week. This matchup made me a bit nervous, because we had played really well on Senior Night and this Trojan team is really quite good. In there first round matchup, they had defeated Portage. So it looked like the tournament championship really came down to us against them. 

Because their #2S and #3S were still battling out long matches against Portage, we began our match by just sending Noah, #1D, and #2D out onto the courts. I was hoping that we could win all three spots and make Gideon and Judah's life less stressful. We got off to a good start, as Noah built a 5-0 lead behind his brilliant brand of consistent, pressure inducing tennis. 

Beside Noah, Emerson and Keagan were off to a flyer as well. They crushed the first set (6-1), really playing solid at the net and off the return. They were putting the pressure on Triton and making some beautiful, simple and aggressive plays. They moved into the second set with confidence, but Triton picked up their game. The Trojan doubles made more shots, and we started missing more. But just when it looked like we were headed to a third set super tiebreaker, Keagan and Emerson locked in. Winning three games in a row, they took the second set for the second Bruin point after Noah.

#2D battled inconsistency in the first set. Triton did a great job of patrolling the net, and we were missing and/or setting them up for putaway shots. But when the pressure was on, Ethan and Malachi responded. Much like #1D, they found great serves and made themselves more of a threat at the net. They won 3 straight games to take the first set. At that point, they carried the confidence right into the second set, and pulled away, winning 6-1 in the second to provide the clinching point for the Bruins!

So the team victory was secure before Gideon and Judah even began their matches. Still, these two played so well. Judah had endured a long 6-3, 7-6 victory over his opponent on the Monday before. Against the same player today, Judah struck amazing shots and raced through a 6-1, 6-3 victory today. Gideon also bettered his score from Monday night's match, getting a 6-0, 6-0 victory with awesome footwork and consistent and powerful groundstrokes.

So, the second round was also 5-0 to the Bruins! One more to be champions.

Round 3 Recap - v. Portage

In the final round, we played the hosts. In the past two seasons, this match has been for the championship, as both teams entered the round 2-0 on the day. Today, however, the home team had dropped their first match to Triton. I think that helped our players move into the match with confidence.

Noah served as powerfully as I've ever seen him. The serve was a real weapon, and he was able to outlast and draw errors on many other shots from his opponent. He closed out his third victory of the day 6-0, 6-1 to start the round for the Bruins. 

Meanwhile, the doubles got under way. Both teams blanked their opponents in confident first sets. I have to say, I love the way that Emerson and Keagan served through the set and found the right shots to attack during open play. Also, their simple volleys were getting better and better through the day. In the second set, Portage had some spark, but #1D dug out of some love-40 and 15-40 holes to keep the lead. That pressure allowed them to serve out another win.

#2D really started to play their best tennis of the day in this match. Ethan served with authority. Malachi hunted smashes at the net. They moved together well and communicated better. This was key. Doubles is a team sport, so communication is really the way to improve. It was awesome to watch these two come together.

Gideon and Judah entered the courts again as all the others had finished and the team victory was won. Still, they played incredible tennis, putting their opponents on the back foot and rarely making errors. They both found the correct moments to attack with cross court forehands, down the line approaches, deftly aimed passing shots or cracked overheads. They both finished off 6-0, 6-0 victories.

So the team went 15-0 on the day in individual matches. 3-0 in team victories. A great day that ended with the first place trophy.

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 we get stronger as the matches go on

This is becoming a feature of the way we play. As a match goes on, as the day goes on, we get stronger. Today, our best tennis came in the final round. Noah and Ethan served their best. Emerson, Malachi and Judah played their best from the net or short court. Keagan returned his best. Gideon dealt with short balls amazingly. I love the way we keep getting better!

- I really like the way we stayed positive

Last weekend, when we faced pressure we became too negative. We turned to complaining. Today when we faced adversity, we believed that we could come through. When Emerson and Keagan got down, they truly believed they could come back. Same with Malachi and Ethan. For the tournament today, a lot of that belief was based on the fact that we'd done it before. We'd beaten Triton previously. But we can believe in the new, individual skills that we showed today as well. And those skills will help us do things we've never done before.

- I really like the way we enjoy eating together

After the matches, we took the trophy over and order some buffalo wings! I loved the way we watched tennis and football, chatted and laughed as friends. Eating together is such a great way to build community, and I loved that today!

Prayer
God, thanks again. The players on this team are so much fun to be with. Thanks for the improvement that we continue to see in our tennis games. Thanks for the confidence that continues to grow. As we face difficulties, help us continue to feel Your presence and assurance. As we continue to grow, may we grow towards You.

Amen.

Scores
Round 1 - Bethany Christian 5, Merrillville 0

#1S - Noah Schrock - 6-0, 6-0 - Cameron Fields

#2S - Gideon Miller - 6-0, 6-0 - Dariyon Ganaway

#3S - Judah Miller - 6-0, 6-0 - Tristan Thomas

#1D - Emerson Landis/Keagan Meyer - 6-0, 6-1 - Louis Ray/Cole Hurst

#2D - Ethan Claassen/Malachi Yoder - 6-0, 6-0 - Jayden Valliant/Arion Mathews

Round 2 - Bethany Christian 5, Triton 0

#1S - Noah Schrock - 6-0, 6-0 - Caden Large (12)

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

#3S - Judah Miller - 6-1, 6-3 - Jaydon Heckaman (12)

#1D - Emerson Landis/Keagan Meyer - 6-1, 7-5 - Isaiah Vaca (12)/Colton Large (10)

#2D - Ethan Claassen/Malachi Yoder - 7-5, 6-2 - Max Johnson (9)/Levi Mcfarland (9)

Round 3 - Bethany Christian 5, Portage 0

#1S - Noah Schrock - 6-0, 6-1 - Nolan Sheets (12)

#2S - Gideon Miller - 6-0, 6-0 - Michael Bourge (12)

#3S - Judah Miller - 6-0, 6-0 - Kyle Gorgei (10)

#1D - Emerson Landis/Keagan Meyer - 6-0, 6-2 - David Lopez (12)/Cameron Enright (12)

#2D - Ethan Claassen/Malachi Yoder - 6-0, 6-0 - Kayden Loera (10)/Amari Ott (10)

I really like the way... Jimtown

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Varsity Recap
The Bruins played a fantastic match against the Jimtown Jimmies. It started with both doubles teams jumping out to early leads. Keagan and Emerson played with the confidence they earned from the matches this week. Ethan and Malachi kept balls in play but were really doing a great job finishing at the net to take some easy points.

Meanwhile the singles players were doing their thing. Gideon was dealing with a big server, but built an early lead with continued solid footwork and groundstrokes. He was able to provide the first Bruin victory with one of his best matches. Gideon also displayed a great attitude in the match, staying even keeled early in the match and building up his intensity and level of play as it went along. In other singles, Judah was toiling away through long games, as was Noah. So more on them later.

Back at the doubles, we found ourselves with first set wins in each. #2D would go on to lose the second set and went to a deciding third, but #1D had a chance to close their match out in a tiebreak. They served and returned confidently, getting points started and putting the pressure on the Jimmies team. Emerson continues to dominate the rallies, and Keagan was smart and active and talking at the net. It was awesome to see them fight their way through a close tiebreak, and then Keagan ended it with a smash and a win for the Bruins!

Ethan and Malachi were in their third set, and took an early lead. A win in their match would be the clinching point for a full team victory. They continued to control the rallies from the baseline, and find opportune moments to finish. They also served so well in this match. I was impressed with the way they kept their nerve and just kept coming right back at it. Eventually, they wore down their opponents with their spin, pressure, and consistency. The Bruins had the team win!

But speaking of wearing people down, Judah went to a third set in another long match. He had lost the first set, but had made a great fight back right at the end of it. In the second set he trailed as well, but flipped it right toward the end to force a third. In the third, Judah displayed his best tennis of the year, driving groundstrokes and passing shots. He displayed a very Noah-like talent of sticking with it and figuring out a tactic that worked. Then he executed that tactic for the win.

Speaking of Noah, he played as evenly matched of a competition as I've seen. For over 3 hours, Noah and Jimtown traded forehands, slices, net attacks, service returns, deuces and ads - but the match couldn't even finish 2 sets. Noah dropped the first set, but came back to hold a lead at the end of the second. Despite having a handful of set points, Noah missed errors as the light began to fade. The match had to be stopped due to darkness. It was an incredibly even match-up.

So as the sun set, it was only 4 matches in the varsity match that actually finished, but it was 4 victories for the Bruins!

JV Recap
The JV match had equally good play tonight. Isaya began right away with his consistent work, playing a collected style of tennis that serves him well. Isaya has an excellent mentality and is always calling out with echoes to help himself and the team.

Dominic jumped into some singles tonight and played with great consistency. Dom has gone back and forth from doubles to singles and back again during his career, but he does have the spins and placement at times to be a great singles player. His first singles match of the year took some getting used to, but he adjusted well and was able to find a comfortable victory.

Lucas served incredibly well tonight, and also found good consistent groundstrokes to draw errors. He took a big lead by moving well to his forehand and using his backhand as an effective shield. Despite making some attacking errors late in the match, Lucas too got a comfortable win.

In the last singles, Preston got better and better as his match went on, putting serves and shots back to his opponent. Trailing late in the match, Preston made a comeback right next to Noah as the light faded. He couldn't make it all the way back though. In total for the singles, we learned from our matches against Blackhawk and played well tonight.

At the doubles we played great as well. At #1DJV, Silas and Aaron were the aggressors. They whipped shots cross court and roamed the net for putaways. I loved seeing their focus and quickness. They continue to build a great record for themselves. Ender and Josiah had moments of beauty, but couldn't quite string them together as consistently. 

And that consistency remains the key for improvement. In all, I'd say we saw that improvement tonight as the JV got the 4-2 win.

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 we get stronger as the matches go on

In so many of tonight's matches, we got off to good starts. But in even more of the matches, we finished strong. All seven varsity players finished off their matches playing their best tennis. Many of the JV players did as well, like Preston who was building a comeback. This is such an important trait because it requires two things: FOCUS and BELIEF. We've wanted our way to be about belief all year long, and we showed it tonight!

- I really like the way we continue seek improvement

I said this after Blackhawk as well. We keep getting better, we keep moving better, we keeping gaining confidence. We will need to take this into our final matches of the season, and we're doing a great job. I loved seeing new skills incorporated, like new spins or new touch. I love seeing new strategies being used and executed. I really like the way we stay positive about the players (and people) we can yet become.

- I really like the way we sang together

Last match it was John Denver and N'Sync. Tonight it was just Sarasponda, our team victory song, while gathered around homemade tostadas. The seniors led the final part in syncopation with one another, and it just made me happy to have a team that eats together in the dusk, sings together with goofy traditions, and embraces the importance of each person. I'm so proud of this!

Prayer
God, we know that so many good things come from you. You bless everyone, not just our team. You gave another beautiful sunset and moon last night, created a gorgeous world that we've tucked our tennis courts in, given so many people the ability to play a game like this with grace and movement and skill and power. Last night, as I watched the close matches, I was just grateful for the world. Help us to live in this world in a way of peace, in a way of relationship, in a way of forgiveness and hope. Thanks!

Amen.

Scores

Varsity

#1S - Noah Schrock - 4-6, 6-6, DNF - Zane Wort (12)

#2S - Gideon Miller - 6-3, 6-0 - Dalton Cook (11)

#3S - Judah Miller - 4-6, 7-5, 6-1 - Carson Gingrich (10) 

#1D - Emerson Landis/Keagan Meyer - 6-3, 7-6 (7) - Chase Clay (12)/Lennart Klages (12)
#2D - Ethan Claassen/Malachi Yoder - 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 - Leighton Gingrich (11)/Bradyn Warp (11)

Junior Varsity

#1SJV - Isaya Magatti - 8-0 - AJ Allen (12)

#2SJV - Dominic Ramer - 8-2 - Juan Amaya (11)

#3SJV - Lucas Bateman - 8-2 - Colten Allen (10)

#4SJV - Preston Miller - 5-8 - Alex Secor (9)

#1DJV - Silas Martin/Aaron Hochstetler - 8-2 - Gabriel Rodriguez (10)/Ethan Creech (10)

#2DJV - Ender Finnigan/Josiah Aguilar Clark - 2-6 - Gabriel Rodriguez (10)/Ethan Creech (10)

I really like the way... Blackhawk Christian

Video 

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Varsity Recap

It was another gorgeous evening for tennis, and the Bruins took advantage. Playing against a good Blackhawk team who has hopes of hoisting a Sectional trophy themselves, the Bruin singles players played some great tennis - some of the best of the season. 

Gideon was strong and dependable, finding some ridiculous forehands when under pressure. His serve really kicked into gear in this match, and his energy and footwork have really returned as he's mostly recovered from his injury now. The small change in his mobility was so evident, as he just has more simple power from being in better positions. This was one of his best matches this season.

And Noah was dominant, having a perfect mix of patience and strength to handle the victory. In this match, Noah was really all over the attacking shots. He would wait the point out until the perfect moment to drive a low slicing ball for an attacking winner, or crack a low ground stroke across the court. He was forcing a lot of short balls and finding himself able to attack. He picked up a third straight 6-0, 6-0 victory in the match.

Judah was solid, moving and striking lobs and passing shots with precision. His opponent was a fellow 9th grader. He was tall and athletic, an attacking player. He had a strong serve. Judah dealt with all of these weapons admirably, really picking his spots and playing with confidence. Judah picked up the third win of the evening for the Bruins, securing the team match.

At doubles, Emerson and Keagan played well, giving up a few too many errors but also coming up against one of the strongest #1D teams they've faced this season. Despite striking their shots well, they'd often find their opponents had quick stab volleys to get them back. I actually thought that we played a great match, but the score didn't reflect that at all. I have to give credit to the Blackhawk team for that, we brought it and they just played great.

#2D found themselves right in it during a very competitive match. In the first set, they played great, moving and not worrying about the score. They led early in the match, but their opponents turned up the precision, and despite an opportunity to take the set towards a tiebreak, they fell away.  Then they got behind in second as well. Some moments of great play followed, but they were in a bit too big of a hole to dig back out. 

That great effort ended the varsity evening. Overall, it was a nice 3-2 win for the varsity Bruins. We continue to grow and learn, and we're moving toward playing our best tennis of the season!

JV Recap
At the JV, we faced a crew of young 9th graders. Blackhawk played 5 singles positions, something different than we've been used to. So lots of our team got experience at singles tonight. Singles requires patience and continued movement, and a lot of consistency. We hung in early in matches, playing close games and keeping the scorecard close on every changeover. But things just seemed to slide away the further along the match went. 

We have to remember that one game can change the momentum, and then tell ourselves that we can do that. We can get one shot, one point, one game. I'm proud of these lessons we continue to learn. When we play singles matches, moving is probably the most important thing - doing anything possible to just get the next ball in. Often times, it was shots that got into awkward positions that made us make errors in this match. 

The brightest note was Malachi and Silas, who continued a tear of wins, slamming down overheads and generally being great movers. They won 8-0 for the Bruins only JV win.

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 we built our games emotionally

Tonight, we kept ourselves from getting too emotionally high or too emotionally low. I liked the quiet confidence that we had. We continued to echo, but it wasn't over the top. It wasn't desperate. It was confident. Sometimes, it can feel like we're screaming when we win a point because we're so desperate to win another, so afraid that we won't. But tonight's emotional level felt full of belief, especially amongst the varsity. I like the way we built that confidence tonight.

- I really like the way we continue seek improvement

It's actually pretty late in the season. We've only got a week after this. But I love how many of our players are committed to figuring out how they can make it the best end to the year possible. Isaya is asking questions. Malachi and Silas have been great listeners. Practice and warmup have been filled with requests from players... Can we work on quick, reflex volleys? Can you watch my serve? Can you toss some ball to my backhand? It's awesome to see us keep such a positive culture of growth!

- I really like the way we sang together

The bus ride back was one of my favorite ever. The seniors began to remember a bus ride they'd taken with Daniel during their 9th grade year, where they had sung together on the way back. So they pulled out a phone and started some karaoke on the bus. The whole hour long bus ride back from our ice cream stop, the team joined in singing everything from Frank Sinatra to 90's boy bands to current songs. It just made me happy!

Prayer
God, I am always grateful for the times we get together. Thanks for providing a wonderful gift, memories that we will hold onto. Whether that is ice cream, singing, or playing tennis, all the memories made together are a blessing. Help us be a blessing to others as well!

Amen.

Scores

Varsity

#1S - Noah Schrock - 6-0, 6-0 - Caleb York (12)

#2S - Gideon Miller - 6-1, 6-0 - Conner Treesh (12)

#3S - Judah Miller - 6-0, 6-1 - Drake Sefton (9)

#1D - Emerson Landis/Keagan Meyer - 0-6, 0-6 - Bryce Sefton (12)/Luke Mansfield (12)
#2D - Dominic Ramer/Ethan Claassen - 4-6, 1-6 - Sam Donnelly (12)/Owen Saliek (12)

Junior Varsity

#1SJV - Isaya Magatti - 4-8 - Quintin Richard (9)

#2SJV - Lucas Bateman - 3-8 - Duke Faupel (9)

#3SJV - Aaron Hochstetler - 1-8 - John Dykstra (9)

#4SJV - Ender Finnigan - 0-8 - Ryan Dykstra (9)

#5SJV - Eli Steiner - 1-8 - JD Tilma (10)

#1DJV - Malachi Yoder/Silas Martin - 8-0 - Adam Albrecht (11)/Grayson Nigg (11) 

#2DJV - Preston Miller/Josiah Aguilar Clark - 1-8 - Rem Zehr (9)/Austin Greenwalt (9)