The annual AUM match is always a great litmus test to get a feel for our teams potential level. The only time we have beaten AUM was in 2012, and that team went on to win a NCAA title. The lineup that we put out the courts was without a couple key players, but that did not deter the boys from playing hard.
The doubles started out very sluggish with the exception of 2 doubles. Nick and Jackson were ready to play and the level between the 2 teams was extremely high. At one point in the doubles, it looked like we might get swept. 3 doubles got down an early break and 1 doubles found themselves down 6-3. Jack and Nick battled and lost 8-5 to team that was playing extremely well. 3 doubles could never find their rhythm, resulting in us being down 2-0. Wagner and Mosetick gutted out a win in a breaker to give us a big win.
I knew we had a chance in singles, but against AUM it would take a mammoth effort. The boys almost pulled it out. We got down 4-1 and then the boys turned it around. Nick had a huge win at 3 singles against a very good player in 3 sets. I was extremely proud of how he maintained his poise throughout the match. One of the main highlights of the day was Alex Ruderman making his debut at number 1 singles. Alex was going against an international player who finished the year ranked number 4 nationally in the NAIA. Alex has been extremely focused during our practices and his effort paid off with a dramatic 3rd set win over one of the best players he will face this year. I was extremely proud of his effort but also his resiliencey. There many times in the match where he could have cried uncle, but he didnt, and kept fighting the entire way through. We split the final two matches in dramatic fashion to lose 5-4.
It was a good start to the season. There was a lot of positives to take away and also some areas that we as team will address which will make us even better come May.
Olgethorpe has come a long wway over the years. Coach Howell has done a wonderful job resurrecting the program. They have become much more competitive and with his leadership will continue to improve over the next few years. Our boys were a little tired after the long battle with AUM, but they sucked it up, and got us our first win of the season. It was nice to see Brandon Lee and Lucas Lund, notch their first wins of the season.
Next up Shorter.
No comments:
Post a Comment