Reel
Varsity Recap
Last night, our match was just about to get started when the skies opened up with rain. Tonight, as we pulled into Northridge HS, it felt like the same thing might happen. But instead, just after the introductions of the lineup, the sun came out and we were able to enjoy a gorgeous night of tennis.
And I would say that it was a night that went about just like expected. As a team, we definitely didn't play our best tennis - well, we had some flashes. But overall, it was a nervous, first match of the year energy that we played with. Probably because it was our first match of the year.
Things started well enough up and down the courts. Noah, Gideon, Ian, and #1 doubles all took games early in their matches and looked like they'd be competitive throughout. We started with good energy, but Northridge did too. The Raiders are an experienced team this season, with five seniors playing. That's a lot of high school tennis played, even if it hasn't all been varsity level. So, they came out with good play as well.
At the doubles positions, the Raiders did a really nice job of controlling the net. So much of doubles is putting pressure on your opponents by getting into attacking positions and then finishing when you have the chance. The #1 doubles team also combined their great court position with swinging out wide serves that made returning cross court difficult. This court advantage and placement skill made it difficult for our doubles teams to stay aggressive in the match. Throw in some first match jitters and we found ourselves trying to dig out of a hole.
There were definitely bright spots of play for both doubles, especially the first set from #1 doubles and the second set for #2D. In those sets, we were able to stay loose and play with a lot of belief. That joyful attitude puts pressure on by itself, and keeps us swinging looser and better.
At the singles positions, Gideon and Ian both had similar matches. They were very close and tight in the first set as we tried to figure each other out. Both struggled with a bit of inconsistency in serve and in finishing out points. They had matches that they could compete in and they knew it. As often happens, knowing you can win can put pressure on. And as Gideon and Ian couldn't quite find the finishing shots to end points, they both felt the frustration that can come in tennis as well. We were incredibly proud of how they kept at it, and found some really good shots and serves in each moment. But the second sets in both of these matches slowly slipped away from us. Really good moments to build on though!
At #1 singles, Noah got to reap the fruit of his practice. We've been working on keeping the ball deep in the court, and Noah got to see first hand the difference that made. Playing against a super talented freshman who likes to get on attack and use his angles, Noah found that if he dropped balls short and high in the court he was constantly at a disadvantage. Working the ball deeper though would take away his opponent's angles and allow Noah the time he wanted to go to work. When Noah kept the ball consistently deep in the court, he won games. When he didn't, the close games would go to his opponent. Noah was able to mix in the deep rallies with booming serves, and was able to close out a great opening day victory for his position!
So, all in all, the Bruins competed well. Lots of nerves out of the system against a good team, and we'll be ready to build. Most of us played our best tennis at some point during the match, now sustaining that level and having fun in that space is where we want to start from. I can't wait. I really enjoy watching the team grow!
JV Recap
This was a match that went as could be expected. Many of our JV were playing their first matches of their career, against a Raider JV that featured 3 seniors and 3 juniors (and no freshman). So we started out nervous and not quite moving our feet and being assertive like we might want to.
In most matches, we went down by many games at the beginning of the match. This seemed to be due to a lot of standing and getting put in awkward spots to hit awkward shots. Then we would hit the ball out. Continuing to move in between shots is such a big difference maker in being consistent and consistently improving.
One spot where that was evident was with Dominic at #2 singles JV. He was moving and motivated from the beginning and was able to have an awesome match. It was always very close, with long, consistent points and very few silly errors from either player. It was fun to see Dominic's movement and belief both on display. In the end, Dominic couldn't quite find the attacking shots to pull out the victory, but it was a joy to watch. More on that in later sections.
But many people built confidence as the match went on. Isaya's match was a good example of that. After getting down 1-6, Isaya worked his way back into the match. His strokes were more consistent and forced more from his opponent. Isaya got it back to 4-6, but couldn't quite climb out of the big hole from the beginning of the match. But his best play was there at the end of the match.
Also, as people got to playing second matches, we also saw the consistency build. Malachi, Silas, Ethan and Adam all got to play a second round, and they were relaxed and ready to go in these matches. It was super fun to watch and see us not playing tense.
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 Shots
You can see one on the reel, but I loved watching Noah's low, driven passing shots when his opponent would attack the net. These shots made it difficult for the Raider's #1 to volley, but also gave energy to Noah and to the team.
Dominic's Match
Nothing but positive. Dominic came to tennis last year with a lot of determination, and he has really worked hard to improve his game. It showed in this match, where he played a long, incredible match. Despite only playing a one set match, he was the last Bruin off the court. His forehands and backhands were on, he was serving consistently. Awesome to see the jump in his game this season. Loved it!
Emerson and Keagan's Fun
The first set was tight, but the second set you could see the #2 doubles team actually enjoying tennis. Even though they continued to sail some returns long, the loose way they played really helped them find their best moments. Net play from the guys was incredible, and they continued to build their serves. But smiles were the best thing to see.
JV Gets Better
Just to highlight this again, the JV played their best tennis the longer their matches went. As they relaxed, they started to find the best parts of their games. That was awesome. Now we know right where to pick up in the next match :-)
This segment is where I'll highlight ways that we built each other up during the match or the lead up to it.
Leadership
Dominic's match was the last match on. All of the rest of the team had just finished, and were standing around the fence, chatting about their matches and their thoughts. Suddenly, one of our senior leaders realized that Dominic was still playing and we were far away from his match. This was mentioned, and the whole team moved to gather behind Dominic's court. It was a move of team unity that I love to see. And when Dominic didn't come out on top, the team all moved down to tell him that it was all good, he had played well. Love it when we watch each other and show the encouragement.
Moment of Intention
This is a space where I will offer a short prayer for the team.
God, thanks for a night to get this season underway. I pray that we learn both tennis and character lessons from tonight, and that we continue to turn toward each other in joy. May we experience the sheer and savage joy of swinging our rackets at a moving target, and not take for granted the awesome experience it is to be on a team together. Thanks!
Amen.
Scores
Varsity
#1S - Noah Schrock - 6-3, 6-3 - Seth Lomas (9)
#2S - Gideon Miller - 3-6, 1-6 - Elijah Shell (12)
#3S - Ian McHugh - 4-6, 1-6 - Daniel Vaughn (12)
#1D - Tristan Mast/Justin Hochstedler - 1-6, 1-6 - Nolan Mellott (12)/Mason Bales (11)
#2D - Emerson Landis/Keagan Meyer - 0-6, 3-6 - Lucas Wensel (12)/Gabe Miller (12)
Junior Varsity
#1SJV - Ethan Claassen - 0-8 - Josiah Schrock (10)
#2SJV - Dominic Ramer - 7-9 - Peyton Graber (10)
#3SJV - Isaya Magatti - 4-8 - Gavin Mullens (11)
#4SJV - Malachi Yoder - 6-2 - Joseph Snyder (10)
#5SJV - Silas Martin - 0-6 - Silvan von Holzen (10)
#1DJV - Adam Siemens Rhodes/Elliot Hertzler Gascho - 2-8 - Trayton Cole (12)/Aden Yi (11)
#2DJV - Malachi Yoder/Silas Martin - 0-8 - Andrew McDonough (12)/Ollie Burnstine (10)
#3DJV - Adam Siemens Rhodes/Ethan Claassen - 6-0 - Gael Delgado (11)/Emi Delgado (12)
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