Plymouth and Bremen girls tennis teams 'Smash Cancer' in meaningful match

The Mary Beth Hunter Tennis Complex in Centennial Park was filled with color and community support on Monday as the Plymouth and Bremen girls tennis teams came together to host the annual "Smash Cancer" Tennis Match.

Before the first serve, Plymouth hosted a special pre-match ceremony to reflect on the purpose, history, and significance of the event. The visual impact of the evening was striking, as players from both teams wore specific shirt colors to represent the different types of cancer that have touched their lives, families, and community.

The entire Plymouth team wore teal shirts—representing ovarian cancer—in a show of solidarity for former player and member of the Plymouth Tennis Family, Madison Golba, who had a tumor removed last fall. Meanwhile, the Bremen team wore a variety of colors, each signifying a specific type of cancer that has personally affected the players or their families.

During the ceremony, PHS Senior Katelyn Golba spoke movingly about her family’s recent cancer journey alongside her sister, Madison. Matt Rose, a former PHS tennis parent, also addressed the crowd, honoring the memory of Mandy Metsker, a longtime member of the Plymouth tennis community who recently passed away from ovarian cancer.

The emotional tributes continued with two honorary first serves, hit by Plymouth parent Jason Golba and Bremen player Corinne Muck. Following team introductions, players from both schools presented red carnations to the Golba and Metsker families.

When the action transitioned to the courts, Bremen edged out Plymouth in a tight 3-2 team battle that came down to two hard-fought, three-set matches in singles play. However, organizers noted that the true significance of the evening went far beyond the final score.

The event successfully raised an estimated $2,300, which will be donated to a charity that is yet to be determined.

Organizers expressed deep gratitude to the community and local businesses that made the event possible. Sue Thomas from Thomas-Alspaugh Insurance generously paid for all the shirts for both teams and attending community members, with Graphix Unlimited providing the apparel at a discounted rate. Coca-Cola Bottling in Plymouth and Culligan donated beverages, while Cashen Creek Florist provided the planters and carnations.

The event was also made possible through financial and in-kind donations from numerous local sponsors, including Aldridge Diagnostic Medicine, Ameri-Can, Bellman Oil Company, Bremen Family Eyecare, Bright Eyes, Collins & Company Realtors, Crowe, Debbie Haeck, FH Decks and Landscaping, First Federal Savings Bank, Hunter Hearing, Langfeldt Farms, Lindy Stiches, The McFarland Family, NFP Insurance in Bremen, Oliver Ford, Ounce of Prevention, Paul & Stacey Patrick, Plymouth Vet Clinic, Wnek Family Orthodontics, Xaver Cleaners, and XRay Consultants.