The guys and i traveled to Salem today. We got the subluxation tour - apparently there was some confusion re: where the match would be played. The dispatch instructions did not match the final destination, but the bus driver and i worked it all out and arrived early for warm-up. Those who follow the blog can refer to the Gloucester match for a sense of my feeling when we arrived at the Salem Willows and i saw the venue. I was taught that if you can't say something nice, ..., well, ..., you know how that goes. I spent the match torn emotionally. I had to multi-task my focus on the players' performance and managing my fear that one or more of them would be injured while maneuvering among the fissures and the fauna. Perhaps i was hyper-vigilant. I do have a vivid imagination.
The guys were confident. The line-up was established, and with only three courts, the match began. Matt and Val got into their respective matches early, and made relatively short work of their opponents. Mike Pindrus had a tougher go at it. He made a strong effort, but he was up against what we call a "pusher", and we haven't prepared specifically for that event. It's a difficult match to play the pusher, and we will be prepared next time.
Sam and Matt, and Sam and Ian made equally short work of their opponents and we were on the bus and back home before dark. The highlight, or highlights, if you will, is that the guys overcame a confluence of negatives that could have taken them out of their matches mentally and, as i have often seen in other times with players less able, may result in defeat. Their play, today, makes a strong statement re: their skill and their "mental toughness"! Brad Gilbert wrote a book entitled, Winning Ugly. The title describes much of today's match, ..., and, in part, describes the venue, ..., enough said.
Find out what's happening in Swampscottwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Singles:
Victory to Matt Jacobs: 6 - 0 6 - 0
Find out what's happening in Swampscottwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Victory to Val Temin: 6 - 1 6 - 3
Third Singles to Salem: 4 - 6 2 - 6
Doubles:
Victory to Sam Crimmins and Matt Gilberg: 6 - 0 6 - 2
Victory to Sam Carmosino and Ian Crimmins: 6 - 2 6 - 2
Erick Eaton, Tyler Gateman, and Moevan Dennis all played well in the added JV matches.
The guys continue to validate my vision for the team.
Thanks for all your support.
Come to see us at home tomorrow vs. St Mary's.
CW
