Tennis team splits pair of matches on the road

Monday, August 29, 2005

The McCook boys tennis team split a pair matches in Kearney on Friday and placed second on Saturday at the Grand Island Central Catholic Invite.

In Kearney, the Bison beat Kearney Catholic 8-1, and lost to Kearney High 6-3.

"The team started the season off with a great win against Kearney Catholic," Coach Matt Wiemers said.

"They played well and with a lot of confidence. I was really impressed with our singles play, as we dominated most of the matches. We struggled in doubles a little bit, but I expected that, as we have new combinations playing together this season."

McCook 8,

Kearney Catholic 1

Singles

1. Joel Putz defeated J. O'Brien, 8-0

2. Brandon Crick defeated P. Messbarger, 8-1

3. Brett Burton defeated E. Carranza, 8-0

4. Brad Potthoff defeated N. Messbarger, 8-0

5. Asher Brooks defeated A. Bryson, 9-7

6. Austin Larson lost to D. O'Neill, 6-8

Doubles

1. Burton/Potthoff defeated O'Brien/N. Messbarger, 8-4

2. Brooks/Larson defeated Carranza/Bryson, 8-5

3. Putz/ Crick defeated P. Messbarger/O'Neill, 8-3

McCook 3,

Kearney 6

Singles

1. Joel Putz defeated T. Benson, 8-5

2. Brandon Crick lost to J. Slawski, 4-8

3. Brett Burton lost to D. Emken, 3-8

4. Brad Potthoff defeated C. Christensen, 8-4

5. Asher Brooks lost to G. Bush, 1-8

6. Austin Larson lost to T. Wright, 0-8

"Against Kearney we just didn't match up well," Wiemers said. "They have a solid team and they took it to us. I was pleased with the teams play and effort, but Kearney has a great team. It was good for us to take an early loss. The guys now know how much we need to improve to get to where we want to be. Brad and Joel picked up quality wins in their singles match. They placed the ball well and made some excellent hits. Over all, the team played well for our first matches. These early matches will help us see what areas we need to work on."

Grand Island

Central Catholic Invite:

1. Omaha Skutt 42

2. McCook 34

3. GICC 28

4. Adams Central 14

5. Lincoln Christian 2

No.1 Singles, Joel Putz, 2-2, 3rd place; lost to Polodna, Skutt, 6-8; lost to McDermott, GICC, 6-8; defeated Thompson, Adams Central, 8-5; defeated McClintock, Lincoln Christian, 8-0

"Joel struggled early in his matches and got down by large margins," Wiemers said.

"He battled back to get into the matches late, but just came up short in his losses. His serving was not as effective as usual and he made too many unforced errors. Joel will get better and is capable of playing better tennis.

No. 2 Singles, Brandon Crick, 4-0, 1st place; defeated Kincaid, Omaha Skutt, 8-4; defeated Fahey, GICC, 8-1; defeated Hughes, Adams Central, 8-1; defeated Boehr, Lincoln Christian, 8-3

"Brandon looked good and beat some quality teams," Wiemer said. "His serving was a big factor to his success and he did a nice job of getting to the net for some easy points. For the first matches of the season, he is playing well. He needs to work on a more consistent first serve and lowering his unforced errors. Brandon has the tools to get to where he wants to be at seasons end."

No.1 Doubles, Brett Bur-ton/Brad Potthoff,

3-1, 2nd place; lost to Kampschneider /Sambol, Omaha Skutt, 5-8; defeated Kulus/Sekora, GICC, 8-5; defeated Jacobitz/ Krueger, Adams Central, 8-6; defeated Gipson/Henslee, Lincoln Christian, 8-1

"Brett and Brad are improving with each match," Wiemers said. "They have not played together long, so they need some time on the court together. I like how well their play compliments each other. They have a ton of potential to develop into a solid team. They need to become more aggressive at the net and put pressure on their opponents. They will get better with more time and experience playing together."

No. 2 Doubles, Asher Brooks/Austin Larson, 3-1, 2nd place; lost to Hagge/Vogel, Omaha Skutt, 4-8; defeated Galvin/McCarty, GICC, 8-5; defeated Barrett/Pekas, Adams Central, 8-6; Defeated Loos/Garey, Lincoln/Chris-tian, 8-1.

"They played some great tennis and picked up some quality wins," Wiemers said.

"They struggled against Skutt and through the first half the GICC match. Then they got into a groove and played great. I was pleased with how well they are playing together so far. Like Brett and Brad, time playing together will help them the most. They need to hit more first serves and become more aggressive at the net. They also made quite a few unforced errors.

"Overall I was as pleased with their play as any one on the team. Their success will be key to our team success. They both need more court experience and more time playing with one another. I feel confident that they will get things together and help us earn important points like they did today.

Next action:

Thursday, Hastings at the Bison and Elks Courts, 4 p.m.

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