What We Really Enjoyed 10: Senior Night w/Blackhawk Christian

Enjoy Some Highlights! 

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What Happened in the Varsity Match?

For two years, we've had trouble completing this tennis match. Two years ago, Blackhawk drove up to Goshen, we began to play, and then it rained. Last year, we got to Fort Wayne, stepped off the bus, and it rained. But this year, for our Senior Night, we were blessed with clear skies and some fluffy clouds.

In the varsity matches, we had uneven starts. In several of the matches we seemed to start quickly and confidently, especially in #2S and #3S. Both Gideon and Ian raced out to early leads against opponents that seemed somehow rattled. These two settled into good early patterns, hitting smart shots and playing their brand of tennis. I was impressed at how they just kept playing the next point.

Noah, at the other singles position, started well (taking a 2-0 lead), but then saw his opponent get red hot with attacking strokes. For 4 games, the Blackhawk player couldn't seem to miss when he struck a big forehand or passing shot. This put Noah on his heals a bit, and he went down 4-3.

Also on their heels a bit were Adam and Ethan. They were playing their first match together as a varsity doubles pair, and this was taking a bit of getting used to. Blackhawk was playing aggressive tennis, and this was rocking us back a bit. 

#1D was the opposite, Justin and Tristan started with a smart and aggressive strategy. They took pride in make the smart plays, controlling the rallies, and looking for opportunities to finish. They crept out to an early lead in their match as well.

But what was amazing tonight is that we continued to see improving play throughout the matches. In the matches where we started well, there was very little let up. Ian got a bit nervous with the lead in the second set and made some tight errors. But he recovered really well, which was a great step for Ian. #1D never looked in doubt despite playing a team with a great winning record on the season. And Gideon continued to play his simple, smart, effective shots right through the end of the match. I really enjoyed watching us maintain a high level of play.

On the other hand, Noah suddenly surged in his match. Moving a bit more, committing to keeping the rallies going a bit more, Noah's opponent lost his aggressive touch. Shots that had been winners were now coming back, and the Blackhawk player began to press and make more errors. In the end, Noah was able to regain his confident serve and putaway shots, and won the last 9 straight games in this match.

At #2D, we gained confidence as well. Suddenly, the second set was a close one, where we threatened to tie the match by taking the set. In the end, we couldn't quite close it out and put the pressure on. We probably needed to remember to play each point the way we want, regardless of the ones before. But I was super proud of how Adam and Ethan grew into the match and maintained a positive attitude!

So our best, most confident tennis came at the end of all of our matches. What a great place to build from.

What Happened in the JV Match?

The JV match tonight was 3 singles matches. Keagan played his second singles match in a row, really focusing on movement and topspin. In a match that was about controlling play and controlling errors, Keagan showed an added ability to win points (or force errors) from the net. His strong movement really helped him overcome in a tight match.

Elliot's match was all about concentration and consistency. On Senior Night, I desperately wanted to see Elliot get a win. But both players seemed to be rushed early in rallies, and short points ending in errors seemed to be the order of the day. In singles, the most consistent player will typically have the upper hand. As the match went on, Elliot became that more consistent player. And Elliot would want me to correct the graphic. Elliot actually won 6-1 :-) (Oh, and the graphic should say we won 3-0, not 4-0 :-)

Dominic's match was much the same. Dominic excels when he is playing against players who provide the pace, those who hit big shots and allow Dominic to catapult them back. Tonight, that was not the case. His opponent was very similar, hitting without a lot of pace on the ball. Dominic needed to find consistency and a bit of bite on his shots to close out most points. But like Elliot and like the varsity, Dominic got better as the match continued. 

Our other JV players got to compete against each other. I enjoy watching each of our player's journeys toward getting better. I love to see the blue jerseys flying around the court. I love to review our video footage before making a reel. I really love that we as a team are playing some great tennis right now. I hope we carry that right into the weekend. 

What Were the 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 :-)

Simplicity

Tonight's match didn't have any standout points that I remembered. But what I did remember is all the simple and brilliant points that are becoming part of our routines. Noah's forehands and net play. Gideon's serve and return game. Ian's variety. Tristan and Justin covering the net with quickness and strength. Adam finishing volleys at the net. Ethan moving on quick feet for forehands. Keagan using his movement to set up powerful groundstrokes. Elliot making adjustments to his opponent and finding a way to win. Dominic moving quickly and never giving in. Isaya getting in long rallies. Silas covering the net. Malachi flying around the court athletic and developing his net game. (And Emerson's serve and volley game, even though we didn't get to see that because Emerson was sick tonight :-)

The more I see these things, the more I realize these strengths are just becoming who we are as tennis players. And that is wonderful! And that is something I really enjoy!

What Were the 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.

Senior Celebration

The celebration and meal at the end of the night was just amazing. Tacos and memories. It was great to think of the tennis players that this senior class has become, but also the people they are. They started their careers when we weren't even sure if we could have a team or season because of the pandemic. They persevered through injuries and disappointments. But they've come into this part of their careers playing their best. And all that they've gone through also has made them understanding and compassionate. This group is some of the best listeners I've ever coached, and I hope that is something that passes on.

Let's Take a Moment of Intention

This is a space where I will offer a short prayer for the team.

Lord, it is such a great blessing to coach this team. Thanks for the different players, personalities, and personal strengths of these players. Continue to look after us, in our relationships with one another, in our health, and in our play. May we witness answered prayer and offer support for each other in the last two busy weeks of this season. May we see You at work, helping us manifest the fruits of Your Spirit and grow. Thanks! Amen.

Scores

Varsity

#1S - Noah Schrock - 6-4, 6-1 - Geno Rongos (12)

#2S - Gideon Miller - 6-0, 6-1 - Sam Donnelly (11)

#3S - Ian McHugh - 6-1, 6-4 - Caleb York (11)

#1D - Tristan Mast/Justin Hochstedler - 6-2, 6-2 - Will Guthrie (12)/Bryce Sefton (11)

#2D - Adam Siemen Rhodes/Ethan Claassen - 1-6, 4-6 - Luke Mansfield (11)/Conner Treesh (11)

Junior Varsity

#1SJV - Keagan Meyer - 6-4 - Owen Saliek (11)

#2SJV - Elliot Hertzler Gascho - 6-1 - Luke Chhabra (11)

#3SJV - Dominic Ramer - 6-3 - Grayson Nigg (10)