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Varsity
The last couple of matches for the Bruins have all been tight matches. Over the weekend, we won 4-1 and 3-2, and lost 2-3. Tonight was another one of those. The season is often memorable because of the close ones, and this might be one we remember.
Especially the singles matches, where the Panthers brought out the best in us. We're still looking for the lineup that best suits our strengths, and so tonight Breece moved back to the #1S spot that he earned in the offseason. Cam slid down to #2 and Noah down to #3. Coming off his injury, Oscar eased back in with a doubles spot next to Gideon. Emerson and Tristan continued together at #2D.
And it all started off really well. Breece, Cam and Noah took slim leads in their first sets of singles. The doubles took big leads against new varsity players on the Panther's team. At the doubles, we played simple and with aggression. This is something we continue to learn in doubles: How to get to the right spots to take the simplest shots. Tonight, the Bruins had a lot of time to move to those spots and pick their shots. I was pleased to see the movement at #1D. They stayed on their toes well and didn't get flat footed. At #2D, I was really pleased with the way that the two served despite the wind. In the end, both of the doubles positions went to the Bruins with little drama.
With a 2-0 lead, we needed one of the singles matches. And this was where all the drama was. Noah and Cameron had both squeaked out close first sets. Cameron's opponent smashed huge serves, but then would come back with killer touch, slicing and keeping the ball low on Cam. Noah's opponent also had amazing touch, and a really smooth swing and way of moving around the court. These were tough matches, and playing in the swirling wind along US 20 made them even trickier. Noah was able to find some ways to draw his opponent to net, and Cameron was able to put some pressure on by getting to the net himself. In the end, they were both rewarded with set wins.
Breece also was putting the pressure on. Repeatedly, Breece was able to find ways to get to the net. Early in the match, Breece was able to find the winning volley or short shot to finish the point. But increasingly as the match went on, that finishing ball was escaping him. It would tick the tape or inch long. The wind would spin the ball sideways as Breece made contact. But mostly, his senior opponent was making Breece finish everything. As a fourth year #1S player, Byler was giving nothing away. He made Breece earn every point. This continued to wear on Breece as the match went on, but he kept coming back. Breece ended up dropping the first set, and then losing the first games of the second set. But in that second set alone, there were three games that had 5 or more deuces in them. It was that close. I was so proud of how Breece kept coming back, going at it again. But he couldn't close off the last games and bring it all the way back. He ended up losing in two sets.
However, Noah made the day much easier for the team by winning his second set. Much like Breece's match, Noah's tight first set turned into a more simple second one. Except this time it was Noah who took the big lead. He seemed to have the right shot to end the multiple deuce games that would be played. Near the end of the second serve, his opponent got a second wind and swung freely, forcing Noah into a couple more errors. But in the end, Noah was able to drop shot and baseline rally his way to victory.
Which left Cameron's match. After an energetic first set, Cam's energy really seemed to dip in the second. Cam continued to try and rally throughout the set, but it just seemed like everything that he did was met with a better response from his opponent. So, it went to a deciding third set, with all the other matches finished. Again, Cam started out well. But again, it seemed like Prairie Heights #2 had the exact answer needed. He'd hit behind Cam, disguise his drop shots or long slices, and keep Cam off balance. The match ended with a Panther victory at #2S.
But in all, the Bruins pulled the 3-2 win. It was interesting that the 3 matches we won were the first three off the court, which made the last two a little less pressure filled. It was a fun bus ride home, having secured our fourth vicotry.
JV Recap
There was no JV match tonight, as Prairie Heights unfortunately only had 7 players. But Dominic came along with us to lend support, and it was awesome to having him.
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 :-)
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 Shot!
In the end of the close first set, Noah was trying to pull away. His opponent kept trying to attack Noah's backhand corner. Noah was finding all sorts of variety from there - slices, lobs, and driven passing shots. But one that I didn't expect was when he stepped to his left and hit a chopped, inside in forehand down the line. It clipped the line for a winner.
Cameron's Service Return!
The Panther #2S, Chase Bachelor, had a bomb of a serve. But Cameron did a great job of returning it. Moving his feet and taking the pace off, again and again, Cameron landed the ball in the back of the court. It was a testament to Cam's great touch and adaptability.
Tristan's Aces!
At the end of Tristan and Emerson's match, Tristan was serving. All night, he had served into the wind and done it well. At the end, he was rewarded with two aces in a row. One ace he curled out wide in the deuce court, slicing away from his opponent's forehand. The second was a slow bouncer, hit while his opponent had moved far back in the court. Tristan used the wind to make the shot almost like a drop shot. It was amazing!
So Many More...
Breece's passing shots, Gideon's overheads, Oscar's serves, Emerson's backhands... it was a good, solid night for the Bruins!
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.
This segment is where I'll highlight ways that we built each other up during the match or the lead up to it.
Dominic!
I love that Dominic keeps coming along to support this team. Tonight, he cheered us on, took video, laughed along and just kept becoming part of the team. I love how involvement is rewarded in sports. If you give your time and attention, you get great experiences so often. Dominic is also learning so much as he sees these high level varsity players play. I love when he comes over to me with questions or comments or things he's understanding. So this moment of joy is in appreciation of Dominic!
Moment of Intention
This is a space where I will offer a short prayer for the team.
Dear God, thanks for a simple night. We hope that You continue to help our team grow. Things keep changing and shifting in ways that have not happened in previous seasons. Help us to deal with this with maturity and flexibility, but also in hope. Thanks for allowing to have great attitudes and effort tonight. Amen.
Scores
Varsity
#1S - Breece Erickson - 3-6, 1-6 - Leyton Byler (12)
#2S - Cameron Heinisch - 6-2, 3-6, 3-6 - Chase Bachelor (12)
#3S - Noah Schrock - 6-3, 6-2 - Breyton Ambler (12)
#1D - Oscar Pairitz/Gideon Miller - 6-0, 6-0 - Keegan German (9)/Landry Keipper (9)
#2D - Tristan Mast/Emerson Landis - 6-0, 6-1 - Braeden Morr (9)/Spencer Zook (9)
Good information.
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