Doubles Playoffs in Phoenix

It was a tough morning for our Z in Phoenix. He and his doubles partner, August, did not play their best. It was hot (high 80s while they were playing. 100 degrees by the time we left at noon.) They did not sleep well at their hotel last night. They had some great plays, but were plagued by faults and were just not “on”. They played hard against a team from Estrella Foothills High School, but lost their first doubles playoff match in a 10 point tie-break round after losing the first set 3-6 and coming back stronger to win the second set 6-3. Z was super-disappointed. We thought they were going to pull it out in the tie break. At one point, they were up 9-6. All they needed was one more point to win, but made multiple mistakes and ultimately lost the tiebreak 9-11. It was heartbreaking. 

Zach may have done better if he would have played with his usual doubles partner, Rowan. Not sure why the coaches decided to switch things up for state play, but that’s just how things were decided. Regardless of the outcome, we are super-proud of Zach and his accomplishments and hurt with him when he suffers a disappointment. We love our Z!! 

While Derek and I drove home to Flag after Zach’s match, Zach and team were staying overnight to cheer each other on for those who continue with wins through Saturday. Zach’s other teammates, Alejandro and Camden, won their first rounds of singles bracket play and Rowan and Braden won their first round of doubles play. However Rowan, Braden, and Alejandro all lost their second round matches this afternoon. The guys will cheer on Camden as he plays in a quarterfinal singles match tomorrow morning and hopefully advances to singles semifinals tomorrow afternoon. Exciting!!! 

It is currently 10pm. Zach just texted me to let me know that he and the guys are having a good time. Apparently after dinner they went a bought a water football and were having lots of fun cooling off in the hotel pool this evening. Love it!! 

Tennis play is not yet done for Zach. He and team are still playing in the team tournament brackets. They will compete again as a team against Paradise Valley High School next Wednesday in the state quarterfinals where Zach will play both singles and doubles. 

After returning home to 70 degree Flag from the Phoenix 100 degree heat, Derek and I enjoyed a four mile hike along Sinclair Wash Trail while Ashton was at swimming. The wash was full of water. Wonderful to enjoy the sounds of the steam as well as ducks and redwing blackbirds along the trail!!! 

After our hike and Ash’s swim we grilled hot dogs and enjoyed the warmer evening before sunset!