Our match began at 10:00am against Gustavus and ended at 1:30pm. We an hour and half to eat and get ready to play Wash U our rival and the number 1 team in the country. I was definitely concerned about our energy level considering the emotional match we just had and the number of 3 setters we just played. Wash U had to face the same deal as us, so excuses were not going to be acceptable.
Wash U was dominant at the Indoor tournament. They bullied there way through the draw so I was very curious to see how we would stack up against them. Wash U, also looked really strong in doubles.
We got off to a really quick start in doubles getting up early breaks at 1 and 3 doubles. At 2, were on serve for most of the match. Unfortunately, we could not keep the momentum going and ended up losing, 8-5,8-6, and 8-5. It's weird because I knew we were right there with them in doubles and just as good. So, here we go again, down 3-0.
The character of our team was going to be tested again. Rud, Wag, and Will, came out firing winning the first sets. Rafe was in a battle at 3 singles losing a heart-breaking tiebreaker. Halpern lost the first set to a very good freshman, and Nick, also, dropped the first set to one of their best spots in the lineup. Rud, Wag, and Will, gave dominating performances to secure us 3 points. Unfortunately, we ran out of steam at 2 and 4 singles and Rafe lost in 3rd set breaker.
Coming into the match, Wash U was the number 1 ranked team in the country they looked really strong at indoors. They are a very good team, but we have the ability to hang with them. We just cannot go down 3-0, and in doubles, it comes down to basic stuff. You can use formations etc... but, if you don't get high percentage of 1st serves in play and make returns, it doesn't matter.
I was proud of the teams effort considering our grueling match with Gustavus. We competed against Wash U and it was good for us to get a chance to play them before UAA's.
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