In doubles all four teams played great tennis and got the doubles sweep! Adam/Will, Cody/Brendon, and Wyatt/Dan continue to improve with each match as a doubles team and will be a force to reckon with by the end of the season. Marshall did a nice job adapting to playing with a different partner as he and Austin pulled out a nice 3-set win at the No. 4 doubles spot. I have really enjoyed watching different guys play with various doubles partners this season, and the success each new combination has had. As a coach it is very pleasing to have all 14 players on the roster who are willing to play with any of their teammates in order to earn a victory for the team!
Overall it was a great effort by the guys today as they were able to come back from a one-week layoff and get a key Pacific Conference win!
Here are the match scores:
McMinnville 8, Century 0
(3-2, 3-0 Pacific Conference Play)
Singles
1. Jesse def. Jesus Verdi 6-0, 6-0
2. Nathan def. Danh Vu 4-6, 6-2, 6-3
3. Reza def. Chris Finley 6-2, 1-6, 7-6(5)
4. Bradyn def. Phoomin Wattanatam 6-1, 6-3
Doubles
1. Will/Adam def. Julius Laxamana/Alexander Hoang 6-1, 6-3
2. Cody/Brendon def. David Costa/Cameron Lampkin 6-0, 6-1
3. Wyatt/Daniel def. Ariel Islas/Kamerin Blasingame 6-3, 6-3
4. Marshall/Austin def. Edward Verdi/Anthony Wakeland 6-2, 3-6, 10-3
Game Ball - Reza for an outstanding 3rd set singles win!
The following day we lucked out again with the weather and hosted a talented, athletic Tigard team, who dropped a close match earlier in the season 5-3 to our annual rivals Tualatin. Seeing this score reaffirmed my believe that our match with Tigard would be a challenging one.
Over the last few seasons we have defeated the Tigers by scores of 8-0 or 7-1, but each match as been much closer than the overall score reflects, and this match was no different. Tigard is a well coached team that traditionally consists of talented, steady singles players, and aggressive doubles teams. As a result, I always expect a tough match with the Tigers.
The guys really stepped up and showed their true potential in this match. In the end our guys played with more passion, energy, and consistency than the Tigers, but our opponents played a very good match as well. In the end we were able to pull out a 7-1 victory over a talented Tigard team. All season we have been discussing the characteristics of becoming a champion. Our ultimate goal during this season (and every season when we compete) is to win the Pacific Conference Title. As a team we know that it takes both a blend of tennis skill, internal desire, teamwork and overall motivation to win a league title. One of the key aspects I have been focusing on with the boys is to treat each match like it's against your toughest opponent. In this case, beating your toughest opponent takes a 110% effort from all 14 players physically, mentally, and emotionally. Our goal is to approach each match with an effort level of 110% and to play winning tennis the way we know how to play it . .. and today, the guys took it to their opponents and played solid tennis. I told the guys today at practice that I had goosebumps while watching them play Tigard yesterday. Their skill development, mental toughness, and overall desire to win are all coming to fruition at the same time, which is what any coach desires by season's end. I am extremely pleased that the guys have reached this point this early in the season. In my mind, as a team if we continue to execute good fundamentals, play smart, consistent tennis, and give a 110% effort day in and day out during matches and at practice, we will achieve our overall goal of winning the conference title. The sky is the limit with this group of players in my mind, and I can't wait to see what they will do next!
Here are the match scores from yesterday's win @ home against Tigard:
McMinnville 7, Tigard 1
(4-2, 4-0 Pacific Conference Play)
Singles
1. Jesse def. Tyler Cozy 6-4, 6-4
2. Nathan def. Kevin Li 6-2, 6-1
3. Alex Piatski def. Reza 7-5, 4-6, 10-5
4. Bradyn def. Tyler Presjack 6-0, 2-6, 6-4
Doubles
1. Will/Adam def. Andrew Ditton/Nial Raji 7-5, 4-6, 6-3
2. Cody/Brendon def. Chris McKenzie/Brian Josephson 6-4, 2-6, 6-0
3. Wyatt/Daniel def. Mitch Davis/Keenan Cabrera 6-3, 6-1
4. Marshall/George def. Willy Maddox/Brandon Li 6-3, 6-3
Game Ball - Nathan for an unbelievable match (best win of his Grizzly career)
This decisive win puts us at an overall record of 4-2 for the season. Our record in Pacific Conference play is a perfect 4-0. We have a tough stretch of 3 matches over the next 6 days. We travel to Hillsboro tomorrow, travel to Tualatin Friday, and host our geographic rival Newberg in our annual night match next Tuesday. It should be a great end to the 1st half of league play. The Hillsboro and Tualatin matches start at 4pm, while the Newberg match will start at 6pm. I hope to see you there and thanks for all of the parents, families, and friends who have provided food and support for the team since the season began.
Take care and Go Grizz!
-Coach Gabrielsen
