What We Really Enjoyed 14: Wabash

 Enjoy Some Highlights!

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What Happened in the Varsity Match?

This was a really close match! 

It was a beautiful Saturday, and typically we play a tournament down at the Wabash courts. This Saturday, however, several teams had dropped out of the tournament, and so it was just one match against a very good (13-6) Wabash team.

The whole day had long stretches of very good tennis. The #1S match was a belter. Both players were athletic with good serves, big groundstrokes, and definite strategies. Early in the match, the Wabash #1 realized that standing at the baseline might not be his best strategy, so he started coming to the net often. This led to some really interesting rallies between Noah and him. Still, Noah just got to play someone on Thursday who had taken the same strategy. So Noah was able to apply the lessons from that match, find his passing shots, and move through without getting into too tight of a match.

Gideon at #2S had another really good match. Playing someone who was a very similar player, Gideon was able to have just a little more patience in the rally, or just a little more depth on his shot, or just a little more accuracy on the passing shot. All match, the games were close with multiple chances to get the advantage, but Gideon would just push it over the line to win the game. Despite having a long match, the score didn't reflect it being too close, and Gideon picked up the second point for us.

Unfortunately, we also lost a point. At #1D, it was a close battle of a first set. We were really the aggressors in a lot of the games, pushing them back and causing volley errors by cutting off groundstrokes quickly and making the Wabash team react before they were ready. We were on our toes and putting them on their heals. That swung at the end of the first set, when the Bruins missed a chance to take the set. From that point on, it felt like we were grasping at the match instead of being the ones in charge. We were the ones rocked onto our heals and unsure of what was coming. The Wabash team played some great tennis as the match moved on, and captured the first point for their team.

Which meant we needed a point from either Ian at #3S or Adam and Emerson at #2D. Both matches had been so close in the first set. In #3S, Ian took a large lead only to get a bit tight and find himself in a tiebreaker to decide the set. At #2D, Emerson and Adam had been far behind and made a great comeback to force a tiebreak. In the #3S tiebreak, Ian kept consistent but had just enough depth on the shots to force errors in the key moments. Ian kept a bit ahead the whole tiebreak, leading 2-1, 3-2, 5-3, and finally ending it at 7-5.

Unfortunately, #2D couldn't do the same. They fell behind in the tiebreak and couldn't claw back into it. They dropped the first set, but their good play in making it close inspired confidence for the next set. Adam hit low serves, Emerson moved his feet and attacked at net, and they moved quickly through the third set, winning it 6-2. 

It looked like #2D would be able to pull out a victory, but Ian had also gained confidence from the first set. Ian also took a lead in the second set, moving ahead 3-2, but then making a great mental shift. Realizing that as a senior this was the last regular season match, Ian decided to enjoy it and make it last as long as possible. The group of players sitting around watching the end of the match said it was the best they'd ever seen Ian play, and I thought it was awesome too. Ian clinched the match for the Bruins, winning the set 6-2.

Which meant the pressure was off for #2D. Released from that, Emerson and Adam dug out of an early third set hole to take the lead. This was a movement and energy filled part of the match, where the players were just playing and moving freely. Once they took the lead though, they tightened up again. Playing tight is difficult, so it is important to find ways to move past the pressure. Adam and Emerson kept finding ways to stay alive, to keep it going, to move on to the next point. One service game of Adam's, when they were facing a loss, ended with Adam hitting three straight first serves in and Emerson getting 3 straight slams. In the end, they forced another tiebreak. 

Despite taking the lead early in the tiebreak, the nerves hit again in the middle. We couldn't keep our advantage and unfortunately hit too many shots out under pressure. But we got another nice lesson, to stay loose and restart mentally at the beginning of each point. We don't need to try harder, we simply need to relax and move!

But it still ended up being a great day for the Bruins. A 3-2 win to end the season was especially sweet, because early in the year we kept coming up short in those 3-2 matches. It also helped us end the season with a 12-7 varsity record. That's a great accomplishment for this team!

What Happened in the JV Match?

The JV match at Wabash was a blast. Mostly because the players got to again experience what a varsity match will be like, playing 2 out of 3 sets since we had the time. 

Keagan got us off to a fast start. His powerful groundstrokes gave his opponent no time to prepare and swing through, and Keagan served beautifully. Keagan has really been improving his singles game lately and looked really good again in this match. So fun to watch and to see him lead the team with the first victory!

Keagan was followed quickly by his #1 counterparts, the #1DJV team of Ethan and Dominic. Ethan and Dominic were able to stay focused and ease their way through another match that was not particularly close. Maybe that was a relief for Dominic, who's been playing a lot of close matches all week :-) But it was good to see these two finish off the season with a comfortable win, showing that they are truly great players at the JV level, and hungry to move up to the varsity level!

At #2DJV, Malachi and Silas were getting to know some of the frustrations and tensions of tennis. Against opponents who were struggling to keep score and know some of the rules, they had to keep focus. The first set ended in a tiebreak (another good opportunity for them to learn) before Malachi and Silas pulled away in the second set. 

Finally, Isaya played singles against the same player as Keagan. Isaya doesn't hit as hard Keagan, so he had to rely on different skills to cause problems and draw errors in his match. It was fun to see Isaya have to problem solve in his match, and he found a good combination of keeping the ball deep in the court and higher as well. Unfortunately, it wasn't quite enough to end with a win. However, Isaya did end his JV season with a winning record, which is a great accomplishment. He finished the year at 9-8! 

And the team finished with a winning record as well, 8-4. Their only losses were to Northridge, NorthWood, Fairfield and Goshen... some very strong teams considering that NorthWood won the NLC JV tournament, Goshen and Fairfield were both undefeated in regular season matches and Northridge was just our first match :-) So Coach Daniel and I are super proud of this JV group and the work they put in to get better this season!

What Were the Moments of Joy?

Noah Finishing Net Points

Today's match for Noah was interesting. When he could get forward after good approach shots, he was able to win the point. When his opponent got forward, Noah was typically able to find the passing shot. But I love watching Noah volley and overhead right now. He finds a simple, driven, low volley. It's not a power shot, but it is precise and it stays low. I loved watching him put these away today.

Ian's Attitude

Ian took an attitude of joy into the end of the second set. Instead of stressing, Ian decided to enjoy it. Ian decided to make the whole experience last as long as it could. This type of embrace is what I've dreamed for the whole team all year. Embracing the actual play of the match, the joy of each moment of competition. It reminds me of when I play tennis in the driveway with my own kids. I want to see them hit back shot after shot because it's just fun to keep it going :-)

Keagan's Forehand

Several points today, Keagan just controlled with his forehand. From the return, Keagan showed that he had control of the rally, and he would keep the ball deep and difficult to return. This was awesome, and fun to hear his opponent remark about after the match. His opponent said that he just couldn't handle the spin and pace of these shots, which was a testament to Keagan's great work, practice, and execution of his plan!

What Were the Moments of Encouragement?

The Last Match on Court Boost

Today, Isaya and #2D were the last matches on court. And immediately, our group of guys gathered at those courts to watch. Admittedly, not everyone was always focused on the matches. But they were there. Other teams and other times we've seen people wander around, wander away, not be close for their teammates who are still working to win. Today, our team came around to support good play. When we'd hit winners, when we'd seal games, we'd hear encouragement. I loved that. 

Let's Take a Moment of Intention

Lord, I'm grateful for this great end to the regular season. This year has been a blessing. It has made me excited about tennis. It has revived my hope in growth and the power of people. Please, as the season ends, may we turn our eyes to You and to one another. 

Scores

Varsity

#1S - Noah Schrock - 6-4, 6-1 - Grant Ford (12)

#2S - Gideon Miller - 6-2, 6-2 - Eli Mattern (10)

#3S - Ian McHugh - 7-6 (5), 6-2 - Troy Guenan-Hodson (12)

#1D - Tristan Mast/Justin Hochstedler - 5-7, 2-6 - Alex Dinkins (12)/Cooper Long (10)

#2D - Adam Siemens Rhodes/Emerson Landis - 6-7 (3), 6-2, 6-7 (4) - TJ Fritter (12)/Ashton Coffman (11)

Junior Varsity

#1SJV - Keagan Meyer - 6-0, 6-0 - Nick Perkins (12)

#2SJV - Isaya Magatti - 3-6, 4-6 - Nick Perkins (12)

#1DJV - Dominic Ramer/Ethan Claassen - 6-2, 6-2 - Spencer Stout (12)/Dylan Pence (10)

#2DJV - Malachi Yoder/Silas Martin - 7-6 (5), 6-2 - Cael McCann (10)/TJ Tracy (9)

Wayne Tennis Invitational Report

We won every match at every position, including one of our JV players being loaned to Elmhurst to play #3 singles and winning both of his matches. It was a good day and we are champions of the Wayne Tennis Invitational!

While the competition was not quite like the Concord Invites that we have played this year, it still feels really good to have won a trophy for the old display case in the gym. In some ways, it feels like a good reward for having won the Penn match as well. What was really great is the way that people were able to come off an emotional match at Penn, perhaps not even play their best in the Fort Wayne tournament, and yet still have enough desire to find a way to win.

Just going right down the line, Luke Hostetter started off play at number one singles against Fort Wayne Wayne. The Generals number one player was much improved from last year, and the school's valedictorian, so it was a very intelligent match with Luke. It was a strange adjustment for Luke to go from playing one of the best players in the state to playing an average high school number one player. I was impressed however at the Wayne number one's ability to stay in the point and make Luke hit shots. However, in the end, Luke's ability to hit good shots forced errors and found winners.

Luke moved to the championship to play Wabash, the team that tied us last year for the title. He played against last year's number three, who their coach informed me had not lost once last year, and had only lost twice this year. He was tall with a booming serve and solid groundstrokes. But interestingly he was also a patient player, willing to play lob ball in order to throw Luke off of his game. Luke looked to be cruising in this match, winning the first set 6-2 and up 4-1 in the second when the change of pace with the lobs began to take effect. The match became very even as Luke found his attacking shots floating wide and long. As it tightened up, it also became more intense. Luke could be heard shouting "c'mon!" after his winning shots and when he had opportunities to close out the match. Finally, the last shot sailed long and both players dropped their rackets in fatigue and emotion.

Jared at number two singles breezed through his first opponent, from Fort Wayne Elmhurst. Jared was the only player on our team who had to face Elmhurst, which maybe that was a good thing as the final score was 6-0, 6-0. He advanced into the final to play against Wabash. Wabash's player was deceptively good. He was small and didn't hit the ball hard, but he ran everything down and hit very good lobs and angles. He even ran down several of Jared's overheads. At the beginning of the match, Jared had trouble with this type of player, and started trying to make his shots too good and too close to the lines. But he soon found the right mentality and his shots followed. After being tied 3-3 in the first set, Jared won 8 straight games to win the first set and be up 5-0 in the second. But Wabash's freshman didn't quit, he made Jared close him out. It took Jared three games to finish the match, but he did with a nice attacking game and some big serves to start the points. Jared sealed the championship at number two singles.

At three singles, Jonny Shenk started with his most difficult opponent. In the first round he drew Wabash. For the second night in a row he was playing a very similar player. Consistent groundstrokes, weaker serve, tentative in attacking the net. The match went back and forth in the first set, trading unforced errors on simple groundstrokes as each player got tighter and tighter and began to hit softer and softer. Jonny finally broke through the hesitancy to pick up the pace a bit, and in so doing won the first set 7-5. The second set followed the same pattern, except when leading 3-2 Jonny played two very aggressive games. That gave him the 5-2 lead, and he was able to seal the match at 6-3. He advanced to the championship to play Fort Wayne Wayne, and a player who Ben Mast had defeated in the first round, but had advanced because officially Ben's match was a forfeit. The Wayne player had a very odd game of huge topspin forehands and then random low slice shots. However, he also through in a lot of errors. The strategy was basically to hit the ball back and wait for the error, because he controlled a lot of the points until he made the big error. Jonny did that well and brought home the number three singles championship 6-3, 6-1.

Number one doubles played aggressive, attacking tennis that was simply too much for any of their opponents to handle. Really, they weren't ever challenged. They fell behind early against Wayne, perhaps because of a Penn hangover, but soon the emotion and the fire came back and they rolled through the rest of the day. Some new serving techniques and strategies have really been putting the pressure on opponents, and it is good to see these guys succeeding in such a dominant way at a tournament like this.

Speak of dominance and you might as well be speaking of our number two doubles team. Right now they are fun to watch, with attacking of the net, big overheads, solid groundstrokes, and crisp volleys, these guys are clinically taking apart opponents. They are almost always the most experienced doubles players at their position. They may be one of the top number two doubles teams in Northern Indiana when they work hard, play together and play positive. In fact, in the largest conference in our area, the NLC, Concord's two doubles won that position in the conference tournament. Our two doubles defeated Concord's last Saturday by the score of 6-2, 6-2. They are playing so well and it was no different as they aggressively fought their way to the championship on Saturday.

Wins all around, including for Ben Mast, who defeated the same two opponents as Jonny Shenk. Ben's game is certainly improving, and I think he'll look forward to a full varsity season next year. Going into the Howe Military match tomorrow night, Ben has actually compiled a 5-0 varsity record this year, to go along with his 12-1 JV record. It's been quite a season, hopefully a prelude to next year.

I'll post up some pictures of us with the trophies later on Monday night or Tuesday morning. Got to find time to transfer them. For now, we're glad to have taken the trophy this year!


I'm really enjoying watching us play right now, their are so many well played points. But I'm also enjoying our smaggression, so here is an award for a smaggressive play! Daniel Buschert was returning serve against Wabash in the championship, and the server had a very weak, pretty much dinked second serve. Daniel moved up on the ball and noticed that the net man had not moved back. So, instead of pounding the ball crosscourt or trying to hit a winner down the line, he took a controlled forehand swing and hit the ball right at the man at the net. With no time to move, the ball hit the player right on his right leg, as he flailed wildly trying to connect with the ball, not to hit it over but to prevent it from hitting him. It was a great two ball shot, smart and controlled, but aggressively winning the point. An extra ball for Daniel!

Scores

Luke Hostetter - 1st Place
--- 6-2, 6-1 vs. Fort Wayne Wayne
--- 6-2, 7-5 vs. Wabash (Frank Granger)

Jared Schwartzentruber - 1st Place
--- 6-0, 6-0 vs. Fort Wayne Elmhurst
--- 6-3, 6-2 vs. Wabash (Justin Middleton)

Jonny Shenk - 1st Place
--- 7-5, 6-3 vs. Wabash
--- 6-3, 6-1 vs. Fort Wayne Wayne

Johnny Kauffman/Jeremy Thomas - 1st Place
--- 6-2, 6-1 vs. Fort Wayne Wayne
--- 6-2, 6-0 vs. Wabash

Daniel Buschert/Mikey Kelly - 1st Place
--- 6-1, 6-0 vs. Fort Wayne Wayne
--- 6-0, 6-2 vs. Wabash

Ben Mast
(unofficial, played in #3S bracket in place of Fort Wayne Elmhurst #3S)
--- 6-2, 6-0 vs. Fort Wayne Wayne
--- 6-3, 6-0 vs. Wabash