NCAA Semifinal Preview: #1 Emory vs #4 Bowdoin

NCAA SEMIFINAL PREVIEW: #1 Emory vs #4 Bowdoin

NE: WOW! That Bowdoin comeback left me exhausted for hours, and I was almost 1,000 miles from the action in Kalamazoo! As always, The Guru summed up everything in four simple words.

Match of the year

— Division 3 Tennis (@d3tennis) May 23, 2016

For those of you living under a rock, Hopking came out FIRING early, and swept doubles. From there, Bowdoin clawed back with four first sets, but lost both first sets at #1 and #6 after being at 5-5. After Wolfe and Roddy got Bowdoin back to 3-2 down, Buxbaum ran away with the 2nd set to put his Jays on the brink. Trinka answered back within minutes, and we were left with a 4-3 Hopkins lead, with #4 going to a 3rd set, and Hop up a tough 7-6 set at #6 but down an early break in the second. Jiang went up 3-1 and 4-2 in the 3rd set, while Urken cruised to a 6-1 2nd set win, forcing the split. Perez fought back to 4-4, but Urken went up an early break in the 3rd. Momentum was flying back and forth. Jiang and Perez traded games until it was 6-6, while Urken went up 5-1 rather quickly. Jiang went up 3-0 and 4-2 in the 3rd set breaker, and Urken finished off his 3rd set to all of a sudden put Bowdoin just points from a team win. Perez fought back to 4-4, Jiang went up 6-4, Perez got one back, but Jiang clinched 7-5 in the 3rd set tiebreak. I can’t wait to see the video that I really hope somebody took of that last point. That’s what it’s all about. All the work, all the struggle, all the hours on hours with your team and your coach, nothing is a greater reward than having them all sprinting at you in celebration. Goosebumps. Even noted fans of other teams got in on the Twitter action. 

Wow what a match that was. Congrats to @PolarBearTennis

— NCWCTennis (@NCWBishoptennis) May 23, 2016

https://twitter.com/AndrewMcGlashen/status/734786363145359360

Bowdoin’s reward for the biggest win in program history? About 19 hours rest and a date with the undefeated and #1 seeded Emory Eagles, who took out Kenyon 5-1 today. I’ll let D3AS say a little more about that match, and then we’ll give our standard match by match preview.

AS: Before I give my thoughts on the Emory/Kenyon match, I would like to congratulate both teams for making it this far.  I would especially like to congratulate Bowdoin for their amazing comeback and giving us all some great tennis this morning.  It was really fun to watch and discuss with the bloggers as the match was happening.  Hopkins becomes one of if not the only team to blow a 3-0 lead in NCAAs twice in the past 10 years (I thought it was NC Wesleyan, but they actually came back against said Hopkins team).  The tank and tree formula came to an abrupt fizzle. I really thought that Hopkins was going to win this match with wins from the MVP and Walsh, but Walsh just didn’t show up in the second and third sets randomly.  Maybe some coaching coming into play?

Anyways, the Emory/Kenyon match went pretty much as expected except for two things.  Jemison/Mosetick lost at #2 doubles.  This was on the stream for a little – welcome to NCAAs, Jonathan Jemison.  People up their games here.  The #2 team was a bit flat today and that cost them a sweep.  Don’t expect the same performance again tomorrow.  Another thing is that Paolucci of Kenyon was on his way to taking out Adrien Bouchet at #4. Bouchet is another freshman in the lineup, so welcome to NCAAs Adrien.  Again, I think Bouchet didn’t play that great, and hats off to Paolucci as he’s been on fire in NCAAs.  Is this reason to worry? No way.  Matchups happen and good and bad days happen.  However, it gives me a little less confidence going into today.

Moving onto the main event – Bowdoin/Emory.  I was discussing with the Guru and I think Bowdoin has a real shot at taking this match.  Their strengths lineup with Emory’s perceived weaknesses (the bottom of the lineup).  However, their doubles performance today was downright pitiful.  If they come out like that in doubles they aren’t going to beat the Eagles.  Bowdoin needs the doubles lead as I think Emory has the advantage from 1-4 singles, potentially.  Down at #5 and #6, Bowdoin has their bread and butter.  If the Polar Bears go down in doubles once again, they will learn quickly why Emory is the #1 team in the nation.

#1 dubs: Tercek/Trinka (Bowdoin) vs. Spaulding/Rubinstein (Emory) —

AS: I went into the Elite 8 thinking Bowdoin was solid at doubles from top to bottom. I left today thinking that this team is just a mystery when it comes to doubles.  Spaulding/Rubinstein have really come into their own recently and finished a nice, easy, win against Geier/Kaye today.  Beating a team like that with two seniors is something to note.  I think this team is too hot right now to be taken out by Trinka/Tercek.  NE rankings be damned. Emory, 8-6

NE: I think Bowdoin needs this match if they are going to stick with Emory, let alone pull off the big upset. The Emory team has been playing well, while Trinka/Tercek have been sputtering somewhat. I think this is a close one, but I’m leaning towards Emory at this point. Emory, 9-8.

#2 dubs: Jiang/Urken or Wolfe (Bowdoin) vs. Mosetick/Jemison (Emory) —

AS: What’s worrisome that NE noted in our group text is that Wolfe was out of doubles today, replaced by the freshman Urken.  I know that these particular freshman proved their mettle today, but they certainly didn’t prove it in doubles.  They lost to Garcia/Walsh, who are a solid team, but not world-beaters.  Jemison/Rafe have been world beaters all year at #2.  I see these two coming out with fire and taking it to the young duo.  Emory, 8-5

NE: Big difference here between Urken and Wolfe at the #2 spot. If Wolfe plays, this one should be another good match, if not, Emory is the favorite. Seeing as Wolfe didn’t play today, I have to assume it’ll be Urken and Jiang again, a very tired combo. Emory, 8-4.

#3 dubs: Savage/Roddy (Bowdoin) vs. Harrington/Omsky (Emory) —

AS: Wooftown, 2016.  What the heck happened today with Savage and Roddy? They were beaten 8-2 by the team of Perez/Thygesen, who really haven’t impressed at all this year.  Hopkins doubles has come along, but I mean come on.  Meanwhile, Harrington/Omsky made quick work of the makeshift Kenyon #3 team after Roberts got injured.  I don’t think that there will be a sweep in this match, which means I have to pick Bowdoin here.  I’ll try not to overreact to today’s dismal result and pick Bowdoin, 9-7.

NE: AS hit this one right on the head, the Bowdoin 8-2 loss was an early front runner for most surprising result of the day (until de Quant took that by force during the afternoon). Harrington and Omsky are good, and this is yet another spot that I think Bowdoin really needs to win if they are going to have a shot. I wanted to split #’s 1&3, and I already gave Emory #1, so I’ll take the Polar Bears at #3. Bowdoin, 8-5.

#1 singles: Tercek (Bowdoin) vs. Mosetick (Emory) —

AS: I hope all of you were watching Rafe battle Sam Geier today.  That was an incredible match and one that I wish could have completed.  Rafe still has his random service issues in games, but the dude fights with the best of em.  He has the clear advantage here as Tercek has been struggling as of late.  The last person you want to play is Rafe Mosetick when that’s happening.  Emory, 6-3, 6-2.

NE: Unfortunately, Tercek seems to have lost some of his swagger from early in the year. While Mosetick threw in some silly double faults today, he was still ahead of Sam Geier when the Eagles clinched. This should be a grind, but that is Rafe’s preferred style. Emory, 6-4, 6-1.

#2 singles: Wolfe (Bowdoin) vs. Jemison (Emory) —

AS: Extremely important match here.  Jemison was potentially suffering from some NCAA jitters today as his performance in doubles was subpar.  His singles was cruising until the final set, where he was up 5-1 and let down and gave up 3 straight games.  Now, Jemison is a fine player and one that I’ve touted all year.  He’s going to need to bring his A game to this one because Wolfe is rock solid. Rock. Solid.  In a surprise, I’m going to go against the freshman here. Bowdoin, 3-6, 6-3, 7-5.

NE: Yet another close-ish match that Bowdoin will probably need. I’m very surprised to see AS pick against his favorite player in DIII, and given that Wolfe was held out of doubles I’m too afraid to pick him in this match. Jemison has already clinched a couple big matches, I think he’s got one more in him over a non-100% Wolfe. Emory, 6-4, 3-6, 6-1.

#3 singles: Trinka (Bowdoin) vs. Manji (Emory) —

AS: If you asked me who would win this match early in the year, I would say Trinka every time.  If you ask me now, my mind is leading towards Manji.  Has Manji been the best #3 singles player outside of Middlebury this year? I think he has.  The guy is a silent assassin and has been working his butt off since Day 1.  He had a tough match against Turlington today but was one game away from clinching the team match himself.  Trinka made quick work of Nicholas Garcia today as well.  This has the makings of a heavyweight battle with potentially two top 4 #3 singles players dueling in KZoo.  Give me Jumanji.  Emory, 7-6, 2-6, 6-3

NE: Awesome matchup here. I’ll be very surprised if this one is over quickly. Trinka looked great today, but Manji was impressive as well. Tough for me to pick against a senior, so I’ll leave it unfinished. Tied, 4-6, 6-4, 1-1

#4 singles: Jiang (Bowdoin) vs. Bouchet (Emory) —

AS: Kudos to Mr. Jiang today for pulling off a win he will remember for the rest of his life. Enjoy it, young sir. I can tell you from experience that you’ll never forget that clinching feeling.  For now, forget about it, because you’re about to play Adrien Bouchet in a match your team probably has to win.  Jiang hasn’t been as flawless as his lower counterparts, but he’s been pretty damn good.  So has Bouchet outside of today’s hiccup.  Adrien comes back today and takes out Jiang, who may wither a bit at the end.  Emory, 7-5, 6-3.

NE: Holy Jerry Jiang, what a performance today! He should be about as emotionally drained as it gets, and his reward is most likely the best #4 in the country in Bouchet. I’m afraid Jiang’s legs come back to kick him in the ass (figuratively?). Emory, 6-4, 6-4.

#5 singles: Roddy (Bowdoin) vs. Goodman (Emory) —

AS: Time for Bowdoin to flex their muscles.  Goodman has been playing well at NCAAs but hasn’t really faced stiff competition.  That random loss to NYU kind of sticks in everyone’s mind.  However, since Ted Cruz and Kasich dropped out of the Presidential race, Goodman is undefeated. Coincidence? Yea, probably.  Anyways, Roddy had an easy time with Kang today (of course) and has generally been unbeatable at #5.  Goodman is the type of player that could take him out and this should be close.  Bowdoin, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2.

NE: I don’t know what AS is blabbering about, but now we get to the part of the lineup that really is a must have for the Polar Bears. They are certainly favorites at 5&6, albeit more slightly than usual. Roddy looked great today, but he’ll have to come out firing and take control quickly if he’s to get a point on the board. Bowdoin, 6-4, 6-3.

#6 singles: Urken (Bowdoin) vs. Harrington (Emory) —

AS: Here’s where Bowdoin has a clear advantage.  Despite a hiccup today in the first set, Urken was able to make quick work of Emerson Walsh, who really should be playing #4 for Hopkins, by the way.  Anyways, I’m probably not going to go against a dude that is undefeated at his spot.  Harrington is good, but he hasn’t been all that this year.  Bowdoin, 6-3, 6-4.

NE: Another emotionally drained Polar Bear, Urken should get just about as much credit as Jiang. Without his 3-set come from behind win, Jiang’s dramatics never occur. Urken hasn’t lost this year, but he has been known to play an unfinished match or two. I think that’s what we’ll get here as well. Bowdoin leads, 7-5, 5-5.

AS Prediction: In a surprise, I see Emory winning by the score of 5-4.  I know they haven’t played a match that close all year, but Bowdoin has the formula to beat them if they win the doubles portion.  I think Emory’s big guns will step up despite suffering a three set loss from Jemison.  This should be another great match – but Emory is the team with the swagger and confidence.  Give me the Eagles.  #FIGHT

NE Prediction: My heart really thinks that Bowdoin matches up as well with Emory as any team out there, but my head says that a team in its first ever national semifinal will fold tomorrow. Bowdoin should be more than proud of what they’ve accomplished this year, but they can’t go into tomorrow’s match with any feeling but hunger for more. After today’s epic comeback, that’s easier said than done. Emory, 5-2.