Plymouth tennis advances four into NLC final

NORTHWOOD — Plymouth travelled to NorthWood Wednesday to compete in the First Round of the NLC Tournament. Overall, the Pilgrims had a good night, going 4-1 in their matches to advance four positions into the front draw of their brackets.
The only Plymouth loss Wednesday was at #1 Singles, where Senior Tynley Gantz was unseeded and drew the #2 seed Landry Schrock from Goshen (who has just one loss on the season) and fell 6-1, 6-0. Tynley played some good tennis, but ultimately fell in two convincing sets despite some long rallies and quality shotmaking.
Plymouth’s 2S player, Sophia Cantero, was unseeded and drew Goshen’s Pippin Stutsman, who was the #3 Seed. However, the Goshen player was sick Wednesday and unable to play, so Sophia played their Sub, Goshen’s normal #1 JV Singles player, and won 6-1, 6-0.
Plymouth 3S player Mia Hartley had deja vu Wednesday night, playing the same Wawasee player she beat on Monday night. Mia, who is the #1 seed in her bracket, won her matchup once again, giving up one fewer game than in the previous matchup, 6-0, 6-1.
The Plymouth 2D team of Marisa Langfeldt and Natalie Sheely is seeded first in the 2D bracket and drew Mishawaka in the opening round. The Pilgrims 2D duo played a different Caveman team than the regular season match, but the final score was much the same in a 6-1, 6-2 result.
The last Plymouth match to finish on Wednesday was the 1D team of Marley Christy and Emma Jackson, who are also seeded #1 in their bracket. Marley and Emma drew a solid team from Concord, but earned a straight-set win 6-3, 6-2.
“Overall, it was a good start to the conference tournament, and excited for where we are right now,” said Brad Haeck, Plymouth head coach. “Everyone played solid tennis early in their matches and stayed focused. We will continue to see tougher competition moving forward, and I’m excited to see how we compete as the matches get harder.”
Plymouth travels to Concord for the NLC Tourney Second Round on Thursday at 4:30 PM.