October 1, 2018 at 1:12 p.m.
Hodag netters get creative to play match against Ironwood
Hodag netters get creative to play match against Ironwood
The Hodags managed to wait out the rain, beat dusk and defeat Ironwood, Mich. 8-0 in a non-conference dual that had several twists.
The match was supposed to start at 3:30 p.m., but was delayed due to rain. Once the rain subsided and the sun came out, the teams called an audible and moved across the parking lot to the James Williams Middle School courts, which were drying faster than the varsity courts.
Finally, play began around 5:30, but the teams still had to get creative to get all eight varsity matches, and several JV matches complete with only four of the six middle school courts dry and ready for play.
To achieve that, the teams agreed to change the format, playing a single pro set to eight games, instead of the best two out of three sets to six. Additionally, each game was played with no-ad scoring, meaning the first team to four points won the game.
After rain hampered Rhinelander's practice much of the week, coach Bob Heideman, said simply getting out on the courts before hosting the WIAA subsectional round was a win.
"We're just happy to have played," he said. "I appreciate Ironwood filling in for D.C. Everest at the late time that they did, when D.C. Everest canceled, and also having the faith to come down here in the rain (thinking), 'Yes, we might get it in.' Hat's off to them on that.
"I think the benefit is twofold - one, we're playing on a little colder day and I think it's going to be colder (for the subsectional). Two, we're playing on (the middle school) courts and the Nos. 3s and 4 in subs are going to be playing on these courts. There was something to be gained by it."
The Hodags took all eight flights with relative ease. The closest matches came in doubles. Jackie Wells and Savannah Chartier held off Sarah Murphy and Gloria Kennedy 8-4 in the third flight, while Alexis Pyrchalla and Madi Losch rallied back after dropping the first three games to defeat Dahlia Sackmann and Jordan Tanula 8-3 at No. 2.
"They got down 3-0 and I didn't see the change in their demeanor, even with the change in the format," Heideman said. "Going down 3-0, when it's only going to be (a race to) eight, could have been significant. But I didn't see any flinching. I just saw them going back and grinding it out."
Annika Johnson and Haley Seefeldt were 8-1 winners in the first flight of doubles while Kathryn Borski and Lisa White took the fourth flight 8-0.
Alex Oestreich, Emma Roberts, Kenedy Van Zile and Kaylee Pontell were all 8-0 winners in a singles sweep for Rhinelander.
"I think the mark of a champion is that you can take these curveballs and overcome it," Heideman said. "I think the girls stayed focused. They weren't whining about having to sit in the cold in all of that. When we got on the court, we played tennis fairly well, given the conditions."
The Hodags are back on the court today for WIAA subsectionals. The meet was originally scheduled for yesterday, but facing the prospect of a cold, rainy forecast Rhinelander made the decision Sunday afternoon to move the meet to today when more sunshine, and warmer conditions, are forecasted.
The sectional round will take place tomorrow in Eau Claire.
Senior night
Prior to Friday's match, the Hodags took time to honor their four-member senior class of Roberts, Seefeldt, Pyrchalla and Chartier.
Heideman said the group should be proud of its accomplishments, which include winning back the Great Northern Conference title this season with a program-best record of 22-4 in dual meet competition.
"They came in as a group of girls with really no (tennis) background," He said. "They came in together and after their freshman year, they had their sights set on doing something in the program. When they stepped into the varsity positions their junior year they took a little dent because I think they're proud individuals and they wanted to take that (conference) title. But, in the end, I think that provided the motivation to win this title. It was especially sweet how it came about."
Jeremy Mayo may be reached at [email protected].
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