Thursday was easily the nicest weather day we’ve had all year – maybe even a little too warm.  The scene was set for a rivalry match featuring the Dons against the Cougars, and the match lived up to the hype.  It was close, contentious, and hard fought.  It was a day when I felt a coach was needed on most of the courts most of the time.  A record four matches asked for line judges.  Unfortunately, in the end, the Dons went down 5-4.

We got off to a great start.  #2 Eagens, #6 Ledezma, and #1 doubles Reeder/Hoeberechts all won in straight sets.  We were quickly up 3-0.  #3 doubles Tantameng/Lofting went three sets but lost 10-6 in the decider.  Next to finish was #2 doubles Patterson/Fisher who pulled off the win in two tiebreakers.  We were now up 4-1.  It came down to just needing one win from four remaining singles matches that were in progress.  Knowing we lost 5-4, there’s no need to go further than to refer you to the scores below.

I want to first highlight some of the positives.  In our first match against Campo, #2 Eagens lost to Alford 7-6, 6-4.  Thursday, Eagens turned the tables and overwhelmed Alford 6-2, 6-1.  It is now back-to-back dominant victories for Eagens since the spring break – both wins over tough opponents.  #6 Ledezma did the same thing.  In our first Campo meeting, Floyd defeated Ledezma 6-3, 6-2.  Ledezma got revenge with a decisive 6-4, 6-3 win.  #1 doubles Reeder/Hoeberechts have played together in all seven league matches and their record is now a perfect 7-0.  They made short work of Martin/Wirstrom 6-1, 6-3.  And last but not least, #3 doubles Patterson/Fisher played together in a league match for the first time.  Early in the contest, it looked like conventional doubles.  By the middle of the second set, it transitioned to a battle of attrition.  All four players were on the baseline trading groundstrokes.  Though not how the tennis manuals teach doubles, I wasn’t going to intervene as our boys stayed in front and won the final tiebreaker 7-0.

As always, we will learn from the losses as a team, continue leveraging practices to strengthen weak areas, and will focus our sights on Miramonte at home on Tuesday.  Family members – my appreciation goes out to each of you for being there to support us again.  It sure seems like this season is flying by fast.  We have only three matches to go before the DAL singles/doubles tournament.  As I’m sure you are aware, we are a division 2 team this year.  When the season ends, I will be submitting an at-large entry for us to be considered for the NCS team championships.  Go Dons!  Coach Rick