In what felt like a déjà vu from last season, the Dons went down 8-1 today to a familiar rival, the Cougars.  It was the same score line from our first match against them last year.  Could we have played better today?  The boys would say absolutely.  Did it motivate us for the rest of the season?  Same answer.  What I have learned about these athletes is that they hate to lose.  It was a rough way to end a good week, but we make no excuses.  We first congratulate Campo for playing well and beating us fair and square on our home turf.  We then return to practice next week and zero in on developmental areas we need to strengthen.  That’s how you handle every loss.  Learn and move forward.  We’ll be ready for the rematch.

Though the overall score line reads as lopsided, we had some close battles; #1 Owens, #2 Eagens, #3 Brewer, #4 Foster and #3 doubles Patterson/Marshall were extremely close and just a hand full of points could have changed the outcome.  Our one win was by #1 doubles team Reeder/Hoeberechts.  They jumped out to a routine 6-0 start.  Then some tentativeness set in and the second set went as fast 2-6.  They both found the swinging-out formula that won them the first set and finished off Martin/Wirstrom 10-5 in the super tiebreaker.  They are gelling well as a team and this was a good win.

The road gets a little more difficult as the Dons take on Miramonte this coming Tuesday.  This past Tuesday, Miramonte defeated Northgate 8-1.  Time to get fired up boys!  I again want to thank our family members who were out in big numbers today.  It’s always nice to have the support and positive energy on the rough days too – helps to put things into perspective.  Go Dons!  Coach Rick.