Fortunately for my group the weather was great and we were able to play Willamette on their outdoor courts (often we run into rain and have to travel to indoor courts). Against Willamette we knew we were in for a good match -- we defeated them 7-2 on our home courts just seven days ago. In that match the top three singles all went three sets.
I'm starting to feel like we are playing solid doubles. Each match is getting better and better and teams are starting to gel. Against Willamette we immediately went up breaks in all three doubles matches and never looked back. At #1 doubles Matt and Etienne played their best match of the year winning 8-1. At #2 Christoph and Quin broke the first game and never looked back winning 8-4. And at #3 Jake and Jeffrey continued their solid play winning 8-2.
In singles I must highlight the play and maturity of Matt Solomon. A week ago Matt lost to Willamette's standout freshman Michael Baumgartner in three sets. Yesterday Matt continued to raise his level of play winning 6-1, 6-1 ... wow goes from losing in three sets to winning 6-1, 6-1 in the span of 7 days!
At #2 singles Jeffrey faced a very tough opponent in Josh Wong. In fact last week Josh defeated our #1 player from last year (Etienne) 6-2, 6-4. Much like Matt, I feel Jeffrey is playing better each match. Yesterday he ground out a tough 6-3, 5-7, 10-7 victory. I love how Jeff is competing and his on-court tactics. Earlier in the season he was forcing balls trying to "win" every point. Now he is comfortable with longer rallies, moving the ball around and waiting for opportunities to look for a bigger shot or force his opponent into making a mistake.
Chris Bailey won at the #3 spot 6-2, 7-5. This was a good win for Chris. Last year at Willamette he defeated the same player in three sets. Our only loss yesterday was at #4 where Christoph lost a heart breaking match 7-5, 6-7, 10-7. Christoph played pretty well in the match: I liked how he attacked the ball from the baseline and consistently put pressure on his opponent. A couple points here and there sealed Christoph's match. At 5-5 in the 1st set (Christoph serving) he missed three pretty routine volleys giving Willamette the break. Then late in the 3rd set breaker Christoph and his opponent had a long point where they each lobbed each other and both ended up at the net. Christoph set up the point well and was in position to finish the point when he netted a sitter forehand volley. Was a very good match for both players. I felt like both Christoph and his opponent played quality tennis and both attacked whenever they could.
At #5 and #6 we had trouble closing out the matches but Jasper won 6-1, 6-4 and Jake won 6-3, 7-6.
While we were playing outdoors, the second group of players were taking on Lewis and Clark College in the LC bubble. This was kind of rough because it was a beautiful day in Portland and they were forced to play indoors.
Match of the day was freshman Sam Sadeghi at #1 singles. Sam won the 1st set 6-4 before dropping the second set 2-6. From what I heard Sam raced out to a quick lead in the tie break only to fall behind. However he was able to finish out the match 10-8 in the breaker. Hats off to Thomas and Adriel who both won 6-0, 6-0.
I must apologize for the shortened LC write-up but I didn't see any of the match!
Overall a great day of tennis. Both squads won and we were missing the services of two of out standouts from last year (Etienne in singles) and Nadeem (singles and doubles).
After the matches both teams were treated to a wonderful dinner at Old Towne Pizza by '99 alumn Dr Clifford Mah. Thanks for the dinner! Speaking of alumns it was also nice to Phalkun Mam '08 (and family) and Kurt Casad '77 at the Willamette match.
Today we again split the squad playing George Fox at 2pm and Linfield at 3:30pm.
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