My apologies for the lateness again, time has been at a premium since getting out to LA. We arrived on Saturday after departing my house at around 3:45 in the morning. We wasted no time getting acclimated to the outdoors and went out for a light hit Saturday afternoon. On arrival it was cool and cloudy which did little for team moral, and Sunday was forecast to be rainy. Thankfully, the rain held off and we were able to get a solid hit in. On Monday, we played local junior players from Bret's club in a duel match format. The wind was crazy causing some frustration and a variety of funny accidental double bounces and whiffs. I am pleased to announce that for the 2nd straight year we held off the juniors from Mountaingate.
Today was our official spring break opener again Gustavus. We took off for the Claremont courts at around 9:30 arriving with plenty of time to get a good pre-match meal in. Kevin Shallcross decided to go with a peanut butter and banana smoothie in addition to his sandwich, a move deemed highly questionable. However, Kev showed everyone his digestive fortitude and came out ready to play. The match kicked off at 1pm with official lineups being called. Kevin and I started off a little flat at #3 staying on serve to 3-2, but then rallied to take the match 8-3. At #2, Nick and Will played sharp and gutsy tennis taking a close match 9-8. At #1, Bret and Dicken lost a tight match, but played impressive tennis against a tough Gustavus team. Singles play was equally strong with decisive wins coming from across the lineup. I recorded the sole singles loss on the day, losing a 3-setter to a tough Gusty opponent. Overall, a very successful opening day downing #7 Gustavus 7-2. After the match we headed to In & Out Burger, where Will went easy and ate only 4 burgers.
Tomorrow the team will have a light hit before our string of three matches. We play Cal Lutheran on Thursday, Redlands on Friday, and Claremont on Saturday. All three teams are currently ranked, with Claremont being in the top 5. These matches will be a real test of our fitness and ability to compete at a high level. Unfortunately I don't have any pictures to post right now, however, Dicken and Rick have been taking a bunch so at some point they will be posted. I look forward to reporting back on Sunday with some positive results from our upcoming matches.
-Jeremy
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