Slugs into Full Swing...

Slug Tennis Family,

The UC Santa Cruz Men’s Tennis Team opened last Saturday against No. 36 Division 1 Santa Clara University. It was a tough 7-0 loss for the Slugs, but as always we have made great effort to learn all that we can from the experience as we move forward to becoming a National Championship Team.

At #1 doubles Erich Koenig and Eli Scandalis lost 8-2, while Max Littlejohn and Bryce Bettwy lost 8-1 at #2 doubles. At #3 doubles Andre Halabi and Chris Goetz were down 6-3 before the match was called off before completion. Having put in so much extra work outside practice it was awesome to see Chris and Andre play better and better as the match went on. One of our biggest lessons during the doubles that day was how we need to come out faster. All three teams improved as the match went on, but the slow start put us in a whole too deep.

In Singles Erich Koenig lost 6-1, 6-4, to a very good Santa Clara #1. Andre Halabi lost 6-0, 6-2 at #2 and Bryce Bettwy lost 6-2, 6-1 at #3. At #4 singles Sam Rodgers had a war of a match losing 6-4, 6-3. It is fantastic to have Sam back and healthy while competing ferociously as always for the Slugs. At #5 Eli Scandalis lost 6-1, 7-6, and at #6 Max Littlejohn lost 6-1, 6-4. They were great matches with many of our guys playing their best stuff in the 2^nd sets.

Overall that match was a great learning experience for us. Each guy saw strengths and weaknesses exposed throughout the day, along with exposure to what the next level looks like. Although we had a slow start I was very impressed with how each guy competed through completion of the match. In singles especially, the boys dug in and fought in a way we consistently discuss.

Our next match is a double header on Super Bowl Sunday against Cal Poly of San Luis Obispo and Westmont College of Santa Barbara. We are scheduled to play Cal Poly at the Avila Bay Club, in Avila Beach, at 10am and Westmont at the Cal Poly courts at 3pm. Here is a link to our 2013 schedule http://goslugs.com/sports/mten/2012-13/schedule

A quick thanks to my assistant coach Brian Pybas who I am so eager to tackel this season with. He is taking on more and functioning at a much higher level already, showing what an amazing eye he has for the game as he continues to lead this team. I think it is too early in the year to say what a special season this is going to be, but in my heart I believe it without a doubt. With 10 young men, all-in, and the type of team environment that coaches dream of, this season has more potential than ever before. One day at a time… 

Sincerely,

Coach Parmelly