ROCKFORD ATHLETICS I HOME OF THE RAMS

The Rockford Rams varsity tennis team continued their dominant conference run, sweeping rival Hudsonville 9-0 on the road in “Eagle Country” Tuesday night. With the victory, the Rams improve to 4-0 in OK Red play, securing their second-to-last conference matchup of the season in inspiring fashion. Hudsonville, a program known for its strong tennis tradition, entered the season with new leadership under head coach Brett Bentley, a former Eagle standout and collegiate player at Spring Arbor University. Bentley has his team playing sharp, particularly in the singles lineup, which blends veteran leadership with talented youth. From the first ball struck, it was clear this match would be a grind, with both teams battling for every point. For Rockford, however, grit and perseverance have become the hallmark of their 2025 season. The Rams have embraced a “point by point” philosophy focusing less on the scoreboard and more on winning each rally, each swing, and each moment. That mindset proved decisive once again, as Rockford steadily built momentum in tight matches and found ways to seize the big points when they mattered most. And nowhere was that more evident than at the top of the lineup. The highlight of the night, and perhaps the season, was the epic #1 singles showdown between Rockford senior Elijah Johnson and Hudsonville senior Jacob Plaskwicz. In a match that lasted 3 hours and 46 minutes, both players left everything on the court. Johnson dropped a heartbreaking first set in a tiebreaker, 6-7 (9), but stormed back with a commanding 6-1 win in the second. By the third set, fatigue and pressure set in for both players. Johnson, visibly cramping, dug deep to keep battling through long rallies as the sun dipped lower and visibility became a challenge. At 6-6 in the deciding set, the two warriors faced off in a 7-point match tiebreaker. Teammates surrounded the court, parents leaned in with every swing, and coaches stood anxiously on the sidelines, every point electrified with anticipation. Barely able to move but refusing to back down, Johnson summoned his last reserves of strength and competitive fire. He captured the breaker 7-3, sealing a 6-7 (9), 6-1, 7-6 (3) victory that will be remembered as an instant classic. As the players embraced at the net, Johnson’s teammates rushed the court to celebrate the gutsy win. It was a defining moment, embodying the resilience, toughness, and fighting spirit that head coach Tom Huizing has instilled in his squad. “These are the types of matches we want to emulate,” said Huizing. “Resilience, toughness, and a fighting spirit. That’s what competitors do. And that’s who we want to be, point by point, set by set, match by match.” Beyond Johnson’s thriller, the Rams showcased depth across the board. Seniors Easton Wurm and Noah Clark each rallied for hard-fought three-set wins at #2 and #4 singles, while junior Alex Moore handled business efficiently at #3. On the doubles side, Rockford’s veteran leadership and youthful energy combined for dominance. From the senior duo of Quinn Geshel and Sam Martin at #1 doubles to the strong play of underclassmen at the #2 and #3 flights, the Rams controlled the action. Even at #5 doubles, where Hudsonville pushed the match into a first-set tiebreak, Rockford’s Scott Julian and Liam Storms held firm to close it out in straight sets. Final Scores Singles #1 Elijah Johnson (R) def. Jacob Plaskwicz (H) 6-7 (9), 6-1, 7-6 (3) #2 Easton Wurm (R) def. Gavin Luchies (H) 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 #3 Alex Moore (R) def. Aidan Shaffer (H) 6-2, 6-2 #4 Noah Clark (R) def. Jace DeJong (H) 2-6, 6-1, 6-0 Doubles #1 Quinn Geshel / Sam Martin (R) def. Keiton Dekraker / Vinny Meyer (H) 6-2, 6-1 #2 Jayden Fudge / Joseph Miesiack (R) def. Kenan Fogt / Jude Beel (H) 6-1, 6-1 #3 Coen Beickman / Broderik Gee (R) def. Reece Dodson / Brycen West (H) 6-2, 6-1 #4 Tray Storms / Carter Drolema (R) def. Drey Krikke / Eli Feenstra (H) 6-2, 6-3 #5 Scott Julian / Liam Storms (R) def. Tanner Kalman / Tyler Kurth (H) 7-6 (5), 6-4