The Eagles finished up a season full of development and competition last Friday at the Regional Tournament. They spent the day in Holland and played well against stiff competition. Although the Eagles did not quality for states, they are proud of their fight and growth this year. 

Senior Jake Mersman at #1 singles won a three set thriller against Wayland for his 8th win of the season before falling to Zeeland East in the quarterfinals. Congratulations to Jake on earning First Team All Conference! From alternate his Junior year to All-Conference #1 Singles his Senior year is an amazing accomplishment!

Senior George Kwon at #2 singles saved his best tennis for the end of the season, winning his first match in a dominant performance against Holland before losing a hard fought battle to EGR in round 2. George ended the season with 8 wins and was a great leader at the top of the lineup. 

Junior Nathanial Zwart at #3 singles dropped his match in against a difficult opponent in Unity Christian. Nathaniel was a great surprise for the Eagles this year, making the leap from doubles to singles and having a big impact on the team. 

Sophomore James Vandenbosh finished up his season at #4 singles and dropped a tough match against Zeeland West. Like Nathanial, James was a big addition to the team this year. His first year on Varsity and his first year as a singles player!

Senior Sam Vandersloot and Junior Banks McNinch lost in two tight sets in a rematch against Zeeland West at #1 doubles. Sam and Banks ended the season with their best tennis but just fell short in their first round matchup. The #1 doubles duo earned 7 wins on the season and brought unmatched energy on and off the court.

Senior Mark VanHekken and Freshman Charlie Baker had a great tournament, narrowly missing a finals appearance with a 3 set loss in the semis to #1 seed South Christian. Mark and Charlie were teamed up later in the season and did not disappoint, earning 7 wins in half a season. Mark's leadership and serve will be missed and Charlie has a very bright future ahead of him!

Sophomores Will Deblecourt and Eli Wise won their first round against Holland in convincing fashion and came up just short in a 3 set loss in the semis at #3 doubles. The sophomore duo was the most successful team for the Eagles this year from day one, earning 12 wins, #3 seed at regionals, and a handful of very impressive wins over difficult competition.

Senior Sam Hillary and Henry Meyer had a tough start the day when an ankle was rolled early on. But they battled injuries to a great win in round 1 before losing a competitive match in the quarterfinal round. Like Mark and Charlie, Sam and Henry were put together halfway through the season and earned some big wins at the right time of the year. Shoutout to Sam for a great senior season.

Four players who did not compete in Regionals but deserve shoutouts: Nicholas Welch, Aaron Dahlberg, Henry Kraay and Charlie Kooistra. A group of boys that did a tremendous job at the roles they were given this year - earning the Eagles points in both singles and doubles. All while being fantastic leaders off the court. We look forward to their growth and continued impact next year.

Final shoutout to Senior Spencer Slagboom, who did not get to compete this year due to injury. Not having Spencer on the court was a big loss for the team but he showed up in all the ways he possibly could this year. Attending almost every match and supporting the Eagles from day one this season. Thank you for a fantastic career Spencer.

With such a young team, the Eagles now turn their sights to next year with a continued goal of competing for States!