We lost to the West Chester Aces on Saturday 2-3. We consider this an upset and a wakeup call. A shot across our bow if you will. We now need to win almost all of our matches to advance to Districts. If we have any chance to make waves at Districts we must be able to do this. If we do win out, we’re in no matter what. We still control our own destiny.
In the league, what has changed is the commitment level that many teams bring to the table. I know of several teams that practice twice a week and the majority of the team attends the practices. This means that they have played with their partners in practice and they have figured out a few things about their partnership options. Also, many of these players prioritize practice dates and matches above most of their other activities. With the monsoon Spring season and these tough economic times, it has been difficult to practice as much as we have in the past. The teams that are dedicated are giving themselves a great opportunity to do well. Case in point, we practiced last night and two teams in our own flight had more players practicing then we did at the courts.
For our Saturday match, we had limited availability and none of our doubles teams had ever met their partner. It showed. What also showed is a solid performance by our opponents. Kudos to the Ace’s – good job fellas – can’t wait to play you again.
What can be done?
This is a team and we win or lose as a team. What I’m asking each of our teammates is embrace the team, put it on their own shoulders and get it done. We can take it if we want it – we have the talent. Our flight is very competitive and Great Valley sets a high bar for the minimum level we must attain. We need positive, can-do attitudes. We have to keep moving forward and start dictating play. We need to be proud of our team.
Time is short. If we don’t advance, come July 1, USTA men’s tennis in our district is done – that’s only the next 7 weekends. Would the real Easy Killer team please stand up.
