Our team arrived in Ann Arbor on April 23rd for what we hoped would be a memorable weekend. Because courts were limited, we only had an hour and a half to practice on Thursday afternoon. It was important to show great intensity and ready ourselves for fierce competition. We also needed to be ready for interesting weather possibilities. The forecast called for hot (up to eighty degrees), humid, and extremely windy (just under twenty miles an hour). All three days of competition had possibilities for rain, so it was feasible that we move inside. The coaching staff did their best to make sure we were ready for whatever happened.
The Big Ten banquet on Thursday night was a fun event. Former Illini and current comedian Mike Kosta made us crack up during his speech. Also, the Big Ten Team was named, and other awards were given out. Our team was fortunate enough to have Dennis Nevolo, Roy Kalmanovich, and Marc Spicijaric named to the All Conference First Team. Dennis was honored as the Freshman of the Year, quite an honor to a deserved player. Dennis has played so well this season, and hopefully he can continue, putting himself in contention for All-American status.
On Friday we played Penn State at two o'clock. The wind was absolutely insane. However, it probably gave us the edge. Champaign can get quite windy, and so we were ready for the challenge. We ha beaten them 7-0 a few weeks earlier in fierce wind, and so we knew we could take advantage of tricky conditions. We pulled away with the victory 4-0. In the Big Ten Tournament and NCAAs, the match is halted when one team reaches four points, unlike a regular dual match. That night, we got to enjoy some quality time with supporters and families of our guys. Marc's mom and sister, Dennis' parents, and Marek's parents were tremendously supportive throughout the entire weekend.
On Saturday we were slated to play Indiana in the semifinals. They had upset the number 3 seed, Minnesota, in the quarterfinals, earlier in the tournament. We warmed up outside, but lightning and light rain forced us inside. The coaches decided to play inside, rather than wait for the courts to dry. We managed to play one of our most focused matches of the season. Because Dennis and Marek finished at the exact same time (down to the second), the score was recorded as 5-0. Talk about sending a message! We were very happy and excited at the possibility of claiming the Big Ten Tournament Title on Sunday.
Sunday's weather was beautiful. The wind picked up as the match went on, but it was very warm. Through great efforts at 1 and 2 doubles, we took the doubles point, going into the singles ahead 1-0. Despite the strong start, Ohio State outplayed us in singles. We lost 4-1, giving Ohio State their fourth straight triumph over us in Big Ten Finals. We were obviously frustrated and disappointed. The bus ride home was a long one.
On Tuesday we found out that we are hosting the first two rounds of NCAAs. We have done this almost every year for quite while. It puts us in a seeded position to make the Sweet 16, a feat we have accomplished the last 7 years. Everyone is very excited and ready to work hard. NCAAs starts on May 8th. We will be training in Champaign until then. Until next time,
The Big Ten banquet on Thursday night was a fun event. Former Illini and current comedian Mike Kosta made us crack up during his speech. Also, the Big Ten Team was named, and other awards were given out. Our team was fortunate enough to have Dennis Nevolo, Roy Kalmanovich, and Marc Spicijaric named to the All Conference First Team. Dennis was honored as the Freshman of the Year, quite an honor to a deserved player. Dennis has played so well this season, and hopefully he can continue, putting himself in contention for All-American status.
On Friday we played Penn State at two o'clock. The wind was absolutely insane. However, it probably gave us the edge. Champaign can get quite windy, and so we were ready for the challenge. We ha beaten them 7-0 a few weeks earlier in fierce wind, and so we knew we could take advantage of tricky conditions. We pulled away with the victory 4-0. In the Big Ten Tournament and NCAAs, the match is halted when one team reaches four points, unlike a regular dual match. That night, we got to enjoy some quality time with supporters and families of our guys. Marc's mom and sister, Dennis' parents, and Marek's parents were tremendously supportive throughout the entire weekend.
On Saturday we were slated to play Indiana in the semifinals. They had upset the number 3 seed, Minnesota, in the quarterfinals, earlier in the tournament. We warmed up outside, but lightning and light rain forced us inside. The coaches decided to play inside, rather than wait for the courts to dry. We managed to play one of our most focused matches of the season. Because Dennis and Marek finished at the exact same time (down to the second), the score was recorded as 5-0. Talk about sending a message! We were very happy and excited at the possibility of claiming the Big Ten Tournament Title on Sunday.
Sunday's weather was beautiful. The wind picked up as the match went on, but it was very warm. Through great efforts at 1 and 2 doubles, we took the doubles point, going into the singles ahead 1-0. Despite the strong start, Ohio State outplayed us in singles. We lost 4-1, giving Ohio State their fourth straight triumph over us in Big Ten Finals. We were obviously frustrated and disappointed. The bus ride home was a long one.
On Tuesday we found out that we are hosting the first two rounds of NCAAs. We have done this almost every year for quite while. It puts us in a seeded position to make the Sweet 16, a feat we have accomplished the last 7 years. Everyone is very excited and ready to work hard. NCAAs starts on May 8th. We will be training in Champaign until then. Until next time,
Abe
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