With a goal as large as a state championship title, varsity tennis has much to consider. Playoff play is a different animal than a team’s regular season. Every player knows it could be their last match; for seniors, that thought is even more frightening. 

“Above all, it’s sad,” senior Noah Kriekard explained. “But it gives me the motivation to do well in all matches and tournaments.” 

FHC can’t bring home any hardware if the entire team isn’t playing at their highest level, so Coach Dan Bolhouse pushes these young men to their limits each day. 

“To accomplish our goals, we need all eight flights to play their best at the end of the year.  We are working hard to improve every day we practice,” Coach Bolhouse emphasizes.

On Wednesday, varsity tennis competed in the Dow Midweek Classic; the boys faced off against the University of Detroit Jesuit, winning 6-2. The next opponent was Flushing, and the Rangers wasted no time sweeping the team in an 8-0 fashion. 

The final team of the tournament was Midland Dow; unfortunately, the Rangers were beaten 2-6 with only senior Sammy Yin at one singles winning and two doubles senior Noah Kriekard and sophomore Willem Knoester securing the second win. The boys placed 2nd in their tournament. 

“I had a close match myself,” Sammy said. “I was beaten in the first set but came away with a close win in the 2nd set. Luckily [my opponent] was out of energy for the 3rd so that I could secure a win.”

On Thursday, the boys took on the Lowell Red Arrows; like clockwork, they swept the Red Arrows 7-0. While the competition may have lacked compared to its last tournament, the team could still take away some quality reps. 

With two successful meets, the future is looking bright. To win the conference, the boys must stay sharp mentally and physically to get the job done. 

Throughout the season, the upperclassmen have stepped into leadership roles. Senior captains Noah Kriekard, Chris Shang, and Sammy Yin have been focal points for the team’s success and will continue to push this group deep into the fall season. 

Varsity tennis plays again on Saturday, September 17, in the West Ottawa Quad. Only three more meets remain in the regular season after the Quad.