With the dual standing in a 4-4 tie after two hours of play, only one match was left to decide the outcome of the team dual. The last Pioneer on the court was Zach Ackerman and the weight of the team was on his shoulders. Similar to shooting free throws with no time on the clock, Ackerman had the pressure of the entire night on his shoulders. Exhausted after playing an earlier doubles match with Eli Davis that went 14 games, which they ended up winning 8-6, Ackerman was once again caught in a marathon match. With the score 6-3 and Ackerman playing well, it looked liked the match was going to be over soon. However, Sophomore Jack Frye battled back, attacking Ackerman’s bandhand and forcing Zach to cover the entire court. Frye made a statement when he pushed the match to 7-6 after nearly ten deuce points. Frustrated, Ackerman composed himself and began to battle. He changed his strategy and started hitting more top spin forehands, which complemented his cut shots that had worked earlier in the match, but Frye had figured out. Neither of these two gave an inch and pushed the match to 8-8, the only tiebreak of the night. At this point, Ackerman took control and methodically kept the ball in play and found the energy it took to win 7-2. While Ackerman’s match was huge, it wouldn’t be possible without Anthony Robinson and Connor Causgrove dominating at the top of the order. Both Robinson and Causgrove pushed their doubles record to 6-0 and their overall records to 12-2 with an 8-2 #1 doubles win and 8-1 & 8-2 singles wins. This was a big win for the Pioneers after a disappointing loss on Monday to the Waverly Vikings. While the Elkhorn team may be young, consisting of only one Senior and three Sophomores, they are well-coached, confident and extremely hard working. Coach McNeely commented “This was a big win against a very good team. Every one of their guys are consistent and just battle so hard.” The Pioneers push their record of the season to 7-4. Their next match will be Thursday at home against Omaha Buena Vista.
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AuthorThese articles are written by coaches, players and parents of the tennis team. Archives
September 2022
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