What I learned Yesterday....

Yesterday the Kohawk Men face an unusual opponent. Carthage fields a very diverse lineup with three experienced, talented, and high level players at the top three positions. Their bottom half is filled with very inexperienced players. Our previous opponents have had good players, but this was the first time we were not favored at three flights.

Thus, I was looking at two items in the Carthage match: how we would compete at the top spots, and secondly, how the bottom half of our lineup would respond to having to bear the burden of winning the match for us. Despite the 5-4 final outcome, and losing the top of the lineup battle, I wasn't discouraged at all. The singles matches went three close sets, and the doubles match went to 97. As we move into the second month of the season our schedule improves, and close individual matches within the team match are very likely to occur.

I will be looking for our players to embrace the challenge of playing quality opponents, to enjoy the uncertainty of the outcome, and accept the uncomfortable nature or stress that these types of matches put on the individual. After all, isn't that what a good Competitor does, embrace difficulty?

And the bottom half of our lineup? Came through with flying colors, and they look ready to be challenged themselves! Looking forward to Spring Break!

Coach E

I spent yesterday on the road with the ladies' squad. The women opened up their Spring season against two very strong competitors - Calvin College (won 5-4) and Wheaton College (lost 4-5). Despite dropping a closely contested battle to #22 ranked Wheaton College, I was very pleased with the opening day of play. It is quite evident that the women have grown considerably (throughout the line-up!) since last being tested in the Fall.....especially as competitors and doubles players.

On the doubles court, our winning % was a mere 16.67%......objectively, not very good! However, the 5 doubles matches that we lost were each by a margin of 2 games (7-9, 7-9, 6-8, 6-8, 6-8). The women put themselves in a position to win each and every one of those matches and I'm proud of them for doing so. The fight, and will to win, was apparent! As such, and from a coaching perspective, the potential for growth is there! On the practice court, we'll be focused on implementing more aggressive doubles tactics.

From a competitive standpoint, the ladies started singles play with a deficit to make up in both matches (1-2, 0-3). Our top 3 are recognized for their match toughness, and they certainly responded in peak form. The "surprise" to those outside of Kohawk Tennis was likely the fight displayed by our #4 (Sara Ohlman), #5 (Natalie Bordignon) and #6 (Elizabeth Hoffmann) players. I'm very proud of the ladies for making up the deficit against Calvin, and fighting til the end against Wheaton....can't complain when the MATCH comes down to a single SET against #22 in the country.....especially after losing all 3 heated doubles matches!

To conclude, a GREAT start to the season! I am VERY excited about the potential and continued improvement that lies ahead. Back on court with the women tomorrow!

Coach Kris