Video Highlights
That was the feeling tonight.
Canterbury is a team that could challenge us. And with this being our only conference match of the season, there was some extra importance to the night. But more than anything, this was another opportunity to see whether all the things we've been working on are starting to show up when the lights come on.
And they did.
At #2S, Elias came out ready to play. He controlled the first set with good depth and pressure, taking it 6-1. Then he kept his foot on the gas in the second, winning 6-2. It was another match where Elias showed that his consistent, steady game can also put real pressure on an opponent. Beyond that, Elias really did a great job keeping his focus throughout the match. There was no let down in the way Elias found his spots.
Aaron was doing the same thing at #3S. He played with confidence and attacked when the opportunities were there. One point in particular made me smile: Aaron got a ball at the service line and hit an overhead. Then the ball came back. So he hit another overhead. From the service line. With confidence.
That's the kind of thing we've been working toward. Not just having the shot, but also trusting the shot. Aaron trusted his game tonight so well, and won 6-1, 6-1.
The doubles were really solid as well. Ethan and Malachi continued their recent run of confident, simple doubles at #1D. They served well, pressured their opponents at the net, and finished points when the opportunity came. They won 6-2, 6-1.
At #2D, Lucas and Jordan were even more dominant, racing through the first set 6-0 before finishing the second 6-2. They kept the pressure on and didn't let the match become complicated.
The really well played tennis continued at #1S. Judah came out with a good game plan, dealing with his opponent's big serve and big swings well, getting enough shots into difficult areas to cause misses from his opponent. He pulled away from a couple of tight games at the beginning of the set, and stretched his first set lead as his opponent worked through the wrinkles Judah was providing. Judah won the set 6-1.
The second set seemed one of calm for the Canterbury #1. He rarely gave away any mistakes, and he clearly was trying to take charge of the points. Again, nip and tuck games at the beginning of the set gave way to a Cavalier victory, 6-1.
This sent the #1S match to a third set. With the team match already decided and a long drive ahead, it was agreed to be a 10 point tiebreak. Judah kept playing the comeback kid in the tiebreak. Trailing 3-1 then tying it at 3-3. Trailing 6-4, then back to 6 all. Again, down 8-6 and then back to 8-8. But Canterbury's #1 came up with some brilliant attacking shots in the clutch points at the end, and Judah lost the tiebreak by the slightest of margins.
It was a bit of a bummer way to end what had been an exciting night of tennis. Literally every position played well, so it would have been really nice to come away with all 5 spots. Still, the work that we've been doing, the stories that we've been focusing on... they are paying off. Our best tennis is coming in the last week of the season, and that is a blessing!
Moments of Wise Play
Who Can Have Joy for the Season?
Moments for Celebration
Hustle: Judah
Dig Deep: Elias
Over All This is Christ's Love for Us
Moment of Prayer
God, thanks so much for the love that You shower on us. We can compete knowing that we're already loved, already supported, already told that You have the vision of a great life for us. May we continue to strive for what is good, both tennis wise and as we treat one another. Don't let competition or the rough points cause us to forget the good we are called to. You are good to us, may we be good to one another and to all that we compete with and against! In the name of Jesus, amen!
Scores
Varsity
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