May 7, 2018 at 11:44 a.m.
Down players, Hodag netters go 1-3 in Wausau
Down players, Hodag netters go 1-3 in Wausau
Without No. 1 singles player Markus Johnson for the weekend, and No. 2 singles player Russell Benoy on Saturday, the Hodags suffered losses to Oshkosh West (2-5), Green Bay Southwest (0-7) and Bay Port (1-6) before picking up a win over Pulaski (5-2) to end the invite.
"These are the strongest teams we face in our 2018 schedule and the scores reflect that," coach Bob Heideman said. "We got a big dose of what tennis is outside the GNC. With our first two invites canceled it took until midseason."
The juggle meant the Hodags had different players in different places all weekend. The three players won multiple matches over the weekend. Logan Oestreich and Cade Aschenbrenner split their matches at Nos. 2 and 3 doubles over the weekend, going 2-2. Connor Young was 1-2 with No. 1 doubles teammate Jared Haug and picked up a win separately at No. 3 singles against Pulaski.
"After losing a long three-setter against Medford, Logan and Cade rebounded with some strong tennis," Heideman said. "There's a growing confidence there that's good to see. Connor and Jared built on their win against Medford. They are feeling they belong at number No. 1 doubles."
Without a couple of its top players, the Hodags had to juggle the lineup significantly on Saturday, with Jacob Weddle splitting his two matches in the top flight.
"He responded well. In fact he responded very well," Heideman said. "No nerves and came away with a victory against Pulaski."
Heideman split his top doubles team - Haug and Young - and played them at singles against Pulaski and moved his second doubles pair - Jared Fabich and Grant Gilbert - to singles against Bay Port.
The lineup shuffle also allowed a few players to make their varsity debut. Billy Berwig played all four matches for the Hodags, going 0-2 in singles and splitting a pair of matches with teammate Joseph Heck at No. 3 doubles. Nick Carrico also made his varsity debut at No. 4 singles in a loss against Green Bay Southwest
"Joseph, Nick and Billy - three freshman - got an introduction to competition at the varsity level," Heideman said. "Billy and Joseph had a nice comeback win, after losing the first set against Pulaski. Nick's game is improving by the week."
The Hodags, leading the Great Northern Conference, faced Lakeland in a conference dual Monday in Minocqua that concluded after deadline. Rhinelander will wrap up its conference duals with a doubleheader against Pacelli Wednesday and a home dual against Antigo Thursday. Both matches will be played at the RHS tennis courts.
"If we come out of this weekend and play better (this week) it will have been worth it," Heideman said.
Jeremy Mayo may be reached at [email protected].
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