2021/22 Matches of the Season Series: Bernhard vs. Esser
WPH Showcase, Tucson, AZ
As the 2022 Icebreaker Series and the 2022/23 Race 4 Eight Tour are set to kick off, the WPH is thrilled to introduce WPH 2021/22 Matches of the Season Series, featuring the best match from each of the major stops during the 2021/22 pro handball season.
The Race 4 Eight staged its first 3-Wall ranking event in the history of the Race 4 Eight tour at the December 2021 R48 Holiday Icebreaker. Austin’s Adam Bernhard lost his quarterfinal matchup with David Fink, while Sam Esser dropped his quarterfinal match in a tiebreaker to Leo Canales, Jr., pitting the longtime rivals in an early Sunday morning 5th place playoff match. The winner of the 5th place playoff match was assured of his best R48 finish to date.
5th Place Playoff Semifinals: Bernhard vs. Esser
Esser took command of the clash on his home court from the outset, racing to an 18-5 lead with ease, drilling kills into both corners with either hand and closing in on the 5th place final.
“That morning was strange because I was taking what felt like great swings and making good contact but skipping every single kill,” recalled Bernie. “It was probably because I was sore from the previous day. So, I told myself I had no choice but to quit going for any offensive shots. It took a few points to make the change but eventually I stuck with it.”
Bernie could feel the momentum swing on a long deep court rally at 5-18. “Sam missed his first overhand shot…a glimmer of hope. I recall at about 8-18 after gaining a little (more) momentum thinking that I had to keep giving it my all because after the match I knew I would be giving an update to a special lady and wanted to be able to tell her I won.”
“Bernie Ball” started to frustrate Esser, as Esser rarely had a chance to play offense. Bernhard started to make good contact, keeping Esser behind the back line with overhand drives and patiently waiting for his opportunities to end rallies. What once seemed improbable and even impossible started to become a reality, as Bernie tied the score at 21.
“As the comeback progressed, I made sure to stay focused on the point at hand and not get carried away thinking about the outcome. Near the end my serve got better, but that was just luck.”
Bernie clinched the win, 25-22 claiming one of the largest comebacks in the history of the R48 playoffs. With the win, Bernie earned his best career R48 finish, despite falling in the 5th place final to Max Langmack.
Final: Bernhard def Esser 25-22
Stay tuned for upcoming WPH 2021/22 Matches of the Season Series features.
David Fink
WPH Senior Writer