ROCKFORD ATHLETICS I HOME OF THE RAMS

The Rockford Rams continued their push toward the OK Red conference title with a 7-2 victory over East Kentwood, moving their conference record to 3-1. The Rams will finish the conference dual season Thursday against Hudsonville with plenty still to play for. East Kentwood brought a much-improved lineup to the courts, especially at the top, and the Rams knew they would need to stay focused and compete throughout the lineup. The day also brought some challenging conditions, with strong winds making ball control and consistency difficult. While the conditions tested the players, the Rams stayed focused on what they could control—their effort, their attitude, their footwork and their response to adversity. At singles, Broderik Gee earned a strong 6-3, 6-0 victory at No. 2, while Noah Clark picked up a 6-0, 6-4 win at No. 4. Alex Moore and Gavin Wurm battled tough opponents at No. 1 and No. 3 singles. The doubles teams continued to provide the strength the Rams needed. Jayden Fudge and Ryan Stark earned a 6-2, 7-6 victory at No. 1 doubles, winning the second-set tiebreaker 7-2. Brady Gauthier and Bridger Wildern, Seth Bearly and Stephen Chien, Wenji Lastfogel and Julian Scott, and Sawyer Clark and David Mendham all picked up victories as well. Perhaps the most encouraging part of the day was the team's next-man-up mentality. With a couple of substitutions in the lineup, players stepped into new positions and handled their opportunities without any drop-off in effort or focus. That is what this team continues to learn, you have to be accountable for your own game. There will always be distractions, difficult conditions and moments when things don't go your way. The key is how you respond. The Rams responded with a win. At 3-1 in conference play, Rockford now turns its attention to Hudsonville on Thursday. One more conference match. One more opportunity to compete. Control what you can control. Stay together. Compete for every point. Go Rams!