The tennis team had an excellent weekend at the 2007 Kerry Seward Invitational.  We finished second out of eight teams.  The first time since 2000.  We were in 4 of the 9 finals and won one of them at #3 doubles.

I am very proud of our team, especially the seniors.  This was their best finish at the tournament.  They really stepped up and competed.  

At #1 singles, Jay Horrey (Soph.) won his first round and second rounds easily despite having some elbow issues.  He lost a tough match in the final, 4-6, 6-4, 10-8.  At #2 singles, Adam Van Zee (Sen.) won his first round but lost to tough opponent from Vincennes in his second round.  He did not get to play his 3rd place match because his opponent got injured.  But I feel he would have won and regardless, finished 3rd.  Josh Paul, who is pictured to the right, had an excellent tournament beating conference opponent Earlham easily and then beating a very nice player from Augustana in the semi-finals.  We once again ran into Vincennes in the final where Josh had to play the IHSAA 2005 State Champion, "Binky" Nikou.  He made him play, but lost 6-2, 6-2.  Adrian Starnes, another senior, lost to a very good opponent in the first round but battled back to get us some much needed points in the backdraw.  Nate Mullendore lost in the first round but won the backdraw to finish fourth.  Sean Clerget also finished fourth in the tournament.

The doubles is where we received a lot of points.  Jay and Adam at number one finished third, Adrian and Sean lost in the final, and Josh Dan Petrie won the tournament at #3 doubles.  

It was a great weekend and we next head to Dension University for a tough conference match.  While we are there, we will play Hope College as well.  We are currently 9-6 on the season and are still fighting to break the school record for most wins in a season.  

Hope everyone out there is watching our progress and cheering the Little Giant Tennis Team on from wherever you are.

Talk to everyone soon!

Coach Hutchison