Today was road trip #1 on the season. Road trips are great bonding experiences for players and coaches, are always fun-filled, and include the ever famous "food stop" the kids enjoy at each away match. After playing a tough first match against Sunset on Tuesday, today we went on the road to take on another previously-successful Metro League opponent in Westview. These guys had solid strokes and were fierce competitors.
Our conditions today were ideal for tennis. Very little to no wind, lots of sunshine, and warm weather. Since we were visiting Westview, we played our match in accordance to their dual match guidelines. As a result, one doubles team was dropped from our lineup, as four singles and four doubles matches would be played to decide who won the dual match. In the event of a 4-4 tie, the number of overall sets won(and then games if a tie still stood) by each team would be used to determine the winner of the match. As a result, our guys realized they needed to win outright in order to solidify a for-sure victory! And they responded well to the task ahead of them . . .
After we went through line-ups our boys hit the courts, eager to take home their first team win of the season. I was very pleased with what happened next . . .
In singles we achieved are rarity in team tennis . . . the ever famous "sweep." That's right, all four of our singles players won their matches today! It's always refreshing to look down at my scorebook and see an "M" for "McMinnville" in the "Winner" column of my scorebook. Let's just say that today I was very refreshed! At number one singles, Jesse started off well, winning the first set 6-2 against a skilled opponent. The Westview player battled back after dropping the first set, taking a 5-1 lead in the 2nd set. However, Jesse clawed his way back into the match and was able to win 6 consecutive games to take the 2nd set 7-5, and the match! At number two singles, Alex played a steady game all match long, running his opponent around the court, playing consistent shots, and being aggressive when he needed to. He won his match 6-4, 6-3. At number three singles, Casey Baker bounced back from a tough, hard-fought loss on Tuesday to win 6-3, 6-4 today. He played solid singles, and was successful by hitting with a nice mix of high topspin balls and his favorite forehand slice shots. Finally, at number four singles, Aaron Case "the human backboard" bounced back after losing the first set 6-4, to win the final two sets 6-1, 6-2. Little did he know (when he came off the court) that his victory today in singles would be the fifth victory of the day for the McMinnville High Grizzlies; therefore, clinching the overall team victory for us today!
In doubles, Myles and Chris started strong, winning the first set 6-4, lost a close 2nd set 5-7 after having two match points, and were ultimately able to redeem themselves as they fought back and won the match by taking the 3rd set 6-4. At number two doubles, Russell and Connor came out swinging and playing hot! They took the first set in decisive fashion 6-3. However, despite their fighting spirit, the doubles tandem from Westview won the next two sets to take the match 6-2, 6-0. At number three doubles, Mike and Will lost a tough battle 7-6(8), 6-4. These two continue to battle every point, during every match, and I am confident that they will get their first victory of the season very shortly! Finally, at number four singles, seniors Jake and Kevin played another exceptional match, hitting great lobs and being aggressive at the net. They won their match in decisive fashion 6-1, 6-2. As a result of our great team effort today, we won the match 6-2 over the Westview Wildcats (scores below):
McMinnville 6, Westview 2 (Mac players in BOLD)
Singles
1. Jesse Stahl def. Marcin Kowalski 6-2, 7-5
2. Alex Worth def. Matt Amayao 6-4, 6-3
3. Casey Baker def. Justin Diep 6-3, 6-4
4. Aaron Case def. Jan-Lukas 4-6, 6-1, 6-2
Doubles
1. Myles Horton/Chris Colvin def. Alex Quiner/Ranish Patel 6-4, 5-7, 6-4
2. Bradley Sumoge/Kyung Park def. Russell Jarmer/Connor White 3-6, 6-2, 6-0
3. Raj Nagappan/Thuy Tran def. Will Worth/Mike Casner 7-6(6), 6-4
4. Jake Baker/Kevin Sullivan def. Akiyuki/Duncan 6-1, 6-2
One thing I like to do at the conclusion of each match is to hand out a game ball to the player who I think best exhibited the characteristics of successful Grizzly Tennis during our match. Today's game ball went to Senior singles machine Aaron Case for closing out an athletic opponent, thereby clinching the team victory for us on the road! Great job Aaron. I don't want to forget to mention the game ball recipient from Tuesday's match against Sunset: Jesse Stahl. Great work closing out a tough opponent both Tuesday and today!
In addition to our varsity matches matches, several varsity reserve players and 7 junior varsity players also made the journey up to Westview and competed well in their exhibition and JV matches. Nathan Johnson, Adam Kiff, Ben Lewis, Marshall Dittel-Payne, David Noble, Wade Brosterhous, Reza Refaei, Cody Thomas, Cody Clark, Jordan Wheeler, and Thomas Carter-Voigt all fought hard and played great matches today.
Overall, I'm very proud of the effort the guys put forth today. Earning our first victory of the year was a great feeling and experience for us all. I appreciate the great effort the kids are putting into their matches and in practice, and I additionally appreciate the sportsmanship that they exhibit on the courts. It pleases me to hear compliments from opposing coaches (like from Westview's coach today and Sunset's on Tuesday) about the effort our players put into their matches. Great work today guys and keep up the classy play!
A special thanks to the Sullivan family for supplying us with great sandwiches and drinks today! We really appreciate your dedication and commitment to our tennis program. And a thanks to all of the parents and Mac High Tennis Alumni who drove up to Beaverton today to cheer for our guys. Thanks again for all of the support and have a wonderful Spring Break.
