May 6, 2019 at 12:57 p.m.
Hodag netters go 1-4 in Wausau Invite
Hodag netters go 1-4 in Wausau Invite
The Hodags won only one of their five dual meets in a non-conference invitational at Wausau West.
The matches themselves were closer than the last time Rhinelander ventured outside the Great Northern Conference April 20 at Stevens Point. On Friday, the Hodags lost 4-3 to Bay Port, 7-0 to Menomonie and 6-1 to Oshkosh West. On Saturday, Rhinelander picked up a 4-3 win over Pulaski and then fell to Wausau West, 4-3.
"The good news we got a lot of tennis in, as the day wore on we got better and some new players got some experience on the varsity level," coach Bob Heideman said afterward. "The scores could have been better but we had more close sets against the better teams than at Stevens Point."
The Hodags used a couple of tight three-set wins to pull off the victory over Pulaski on Saturday, both in come-from-behind fashion. At No. 4 singles, Bryan La rallied to defeat Nicholas Symons 3-6, 6-1, 10-8 while Bridger Flory and Billy Berwig rallied for a 3-6, 6-4, 10-8 win at No. 2 doubles.
"Bryan La came from behind after losing the first set against Pulaski," Heideman noted. "That was a key win in that match."
With Luke Ring and Elijah Evers out of the lineup Saturday, Flory and Berwig moved up a flight and won both of their matches at No. 2 doubles.
"They've got good chemistry with a good work ethic," Heideman said.
Freddy Wisner had the most successful weekend for the Hodags, going 3-2 in the tournament. He picked up a three-set win Friday against Bay Port and won both of his matches Saturday.
"Freddy took most of the weekend to find his game but he played his best on Saturday," Heideman said. "We're hoping that he is the example that the team will follow into next week and next Saturday's conference match."
Ian Conkey played No. 4 singles Friday, but sat out Saturday's matches. He was 2-1 Friday with a win over Bay Port and the team's lone win against Oshkosh West.
"Ian's level of play match to match is very consistent. He uses the shots he has effectively and moves his feet very well," Heideman said.
Rhinelander's other two-match winner on the weekend was Jacob Weddle in the top flight.
"Jacob Weddle went 2-3 with a close 7-5, 7-6 win over Bay Port," Heideman said. "As he plays some of the better players in the state, he is slowly making progress. He is seeing where his game needs to go."
Rhinelander used the weekend as an opportunity to tinker with the lineup and try players in different positions. Ring, Evers, Russell Benoy and Wisner essentially switched positions in the match against Menomonie, with Ring and Evers playing Nos. 2 and 3 singles while Benoy and Wisner teamed up at No. 2 doubles. Connor Young got a start and picked up a win for the Hodags at No. 4 singles on Saturday against Wausau West while Bryan La took Young's spot at No. 1 doubles with Logan Oestreich. Freshman Jacob DeNamur played three matches at No. 3 doubles on the weekend, pairing with Zach Thompson on Saturday.
"Jack DeNamur and Zach Thompson were pressed into the varsity lineup and got a full days worth of experience which will serve them well in the future," Heideman said. "They learned what you have to invest in a varsity match to compete."
The Hodags (10-8, 7-0 Great Northern) held a 16-point lead over Antigo in the conference standings, heading into a rematch between the teams Monday in Antigo. The Hodags host Lakeland today and travel to Lakeland Thursday ahead of Saturday's GNC meet at Lakeland.
Jeremy Mayo may be reached at [email protected].
Comments:
You must login to comment.