Slugs Blast Through Round of 32 at NCAA National Team Championships

Dear Slug fans,

On an absolutely beautiful day on their own dressed up courts the Slugs hit their stride and blanked #7 ranked Pomona-Pitzer 5-0. The atmosphere was amazing with incredible support from our wonderful fans and the hard work of the UCSC staff which combined for a super setting for our match. Lone senior Brian Pybas and partner Parker Larsen got things started with an 8-3 win at one doubles setting the tone for things to come. Our communication and focus were top notch from start to finish. Three doubles was next off with Erich Koening and Sam Rodgers winning a seesaw battle 8-6. As always these two battled from start to finish. At two doubles Erik Rosner and Ian Stanley were in top form playing solidly throughout their 8-6 victory.

In singles we kept the pressure on! Sam Rodgers hit the finish line first with a 6-3,6-2 win at five singles looking sharp from the outset. I enjoyed watching his enthusiasm and tenacity as he repeatedly answered the bell on big points. Parker Larsen iced the match with a 6-2,6-3 win at three singles. Parker's focus, movement skills, and clutch play were on display throughout the match. When the match was called Andre Halabi was up 6-1,5-2 double match point at four singles, Brian Pybas was up a set and 4-4 at one singles, Erich Koening was up a set and 3-0 at two singles, and Yushi Ayabe was a set down but up 3-0 in the second and looking strong!

So nice to see all our wonderful family, alums, and fans! I can not begin to tell you how much your support means to all of us and how important it is to our success! Special thanks to Jerry Lynch for his invaluable help in preparing our team and welcome back to Bryce the Birdman Parmelly for jumping in and helping coach! I could not be more proud of our effort today and look forward to our battle tomorrow with top seed Claremont who defeated Univ of Texas Tyler today. The 12:00 noon battle tomorrow between these two top programs should be a great contest. Special thanks also to tournament director Erin Ness, Sports information director and general super star Julie Roth and the rest of the OPERS staff for all their help in making this a special event. Hope to see many of you at the match tomorrow and go Slugs! For complete tournament information follow our tournament web site at:http://www.goslugs.com/teams/tennis/men/championships/2011tennisregionals/mten11_regionals.html

Best wishes, Coach Hansen and Seeberger