Seymour’s Joe Schmidt and Jack VonDielingen high-five one another after scoring a point against Bloomington South at regional.
Dylan Wallace | The Tribune
BEDFORD — Seymour’s Jack VonDielingen and Joe Schmidt had their impressive season at one doubles come to an end on Saturday morning.
The duo played against Evansville North’s Gabe Wilke and William Cusic at the Bedford North Lawrence regional, and it was a tight, back-and-forth battle between the two teams.
After dropping the first set 2-6, VonDielingen and Schmidt were able to grind out the second set 7-5 and force a deciding third set.
The two teams were tied 5-5 in the third set before Evansville North was just able to edge out Seymour 7-5 to win the match.
VonDielingen and Schmidt had aspirations of advancing to the state finals this weekend, but head coach Brandon Davis wanted them to know they had nothing to be ashamed of, finishing the season with a record of 24-2.
“Jack and Joe were great together, a large part as to why our team did so well this year,” Davis said. “They played to each other’s strengths and weaknesses well, and they never criticized each other.”
They helped Seymour win a sectional championship as a team for the first time in three years, and after the Owls lost to Bloomington South in the regional, VonDielingen and Schmidt kept their seasons alive by continuing to win.
They won five postseason matches before the loss Saturday.
“They were each other’s biggest supporter all year,” Davis said. “Playing good doubles is a large part chemistry, and they had that. They wanted to see each other win, and they did that well together.”
It was their first year as a doubles tandem, as well. VonDielingen played one doubles last year with Eli Meyer, while Schmidt was a singles player.
This was VonDielingen’s senior season, so the Owls will be without his experience and enthusiasm next season. For Schmidt, Davis hopes he can continue playing at a high level.
“I will miss Jack’s energy and leadership. Can’t ask for a better doubles partner, and for Joe, we are expecting great things out of him for his senior season next year,” Davis said. “I am very thankful to have coached these two together this season. It has been a fun ride.”