by Coach Brett Turner

With Captain Alex Hayes still recovering, we once again fielded an adjusted lineup.  Not only did our student athletes continue to present themselves with poise, but they also brought a level of intensity that made it my pleasure as a coach to watch them compete.  Their efforts fell just short of bringing home a victory. We lost 3-4 (we end our season with a 6-win, 6-loss record) but two of the wins were by 1st and 3rd doubles in the third set and 2nd doubles lost a close one 4-6 in the third.

While I equally value the effort and commitment of all the players I would be remiss for not singleing out one match and player.  Ben Gemberling-Johnson.  All season Ben has been someone we have counted on for a win. On this day, Ben won his first set 6-1. His opponent turned up the heat and went on a rampage winning the second set 6-0 and taking a 3-0 lead in the third before anyone could really figure out what had happened. Anyone except Ben. Although he was still losing the games he was working his way into each game before losing. The magical moment arrived when Ben became just a little sharper and his opponent started to crumble under the pressure of closing out the match. Ben took his turn in storming back to take the third set, and the match, 6-4!! A moment like that, where an athlete is able to match physical ability with with tactical (read intellectual) success, is special.