Here Come the Slugs...

Slug Tennis Family,

The biggest home weekend for the Slugs came to conclusion this past Monday; the results were phenomenal. It was a grueling streak of matches that tested us in so many ways, in ways we absolutely needed to be tested. What I was most proud of in regard to this three-day effort was the consistency of our toughness as we competed throughout the weekend. This team is becoming tough as nails as they set the standard in "bringing it" to every match they play. The areas we have worked so hard to improve are improving, the toughness we need to show under pressure is becoming habit, and the necessary components on what it takes to become a National Championship Team are starting to take shape. It was an amazingly special weekend and one as a coach that I will always cherish. If you would like to view specific match scores please visit our home webpage at http://www.goslugs.com/sports/mten/index. Here are the match recaps:

Saturday-Day 1
#11 UCSC vs #16 Pomona-Pitzer Colleges
8-1 Slugs

This match was one we had been anticipating for quite some time. Pomona-Pitzer has been an extremely tough team these past years, we knew we were in for a battle. As the match began teams of Erich and Erik and Andre and Chris came out hot. Chris and Andre won convincingly at #3 doubles 8-3, while Erich and Erik took down an extremely tough and seasoned #1 team from PP 8-5. Last on was Bryce and Max who were down at one point 2-5 in their #2 doubles match. With their energy staying high the boys fought back to 7-7 before running away with the match 9-7! With that the Slugs were up 3-0 going into the singles. Doubles has been a huge area of work for us these past months and to see it come together in our first doubles sweep of the season was major.

With the momentum on our racquets the Slugs stayed strong as we started the singles. With straight set victories from our 2-5 singles (Dre, Bryce, Sam, and Eli), the Slugs were walking away with a Victory. Bryce and Eli dominated the competition while Dre and Sam came up with the goods as the 2nd sets became close. With a close 3-set loss from Riza at #6, and a 3rd set super-breaker victory from Black Bear #1, the Slugs were walking away with an 8-1 victory. It was an amazing start to the weekend, setting the tone for the rest of our competitions.

Sunday-Day 2
UCSC vs #20 U. of Texas-Tyler
6-3 Slugs

This was no doubt the toughest team we faced over the weekend. With some extremely tough new additions to the team, UTT came at us as hard as we came at them. The doubles effort had been so amazing the day before, it was our intention to do it again knowing the strength of this Texas singles lineup. You may be starting to notice a trend and yes Andre and Chris won again at #3 doubles, on this day 8-2. These two have worked extremely hard at their doubles over the months, all of the components are clicking. Andre getting balls down while Chris taking over, it is a fantastic daily effort to say the least from these two. At #2 Doubles Bryce and Max gave an even better effort taking down their opponents 8-4. It is so fun to see these two clicking again as they are playing at a level we all knew possible. Erik and Erich lost at #1 8-2 to a very tough team from UTT. A combination of playing a very strong team along with not playing their best stuff and the match was decided. As we gathered in our team circle as we do after every doubles effort we were going into the singles up 2-1. Going into the singles with a lead is exactly what we needed, the boys had had fire in their eyes as we went out to chip away at the huge singles effort we were about to undertake.

Erik Rosner started us off with a 6-3, 6-3, victory giving the Slugs a 3-1 lead. It was an awesome effort by Riza to keep the momentum going in our favor. With tough losses at #1 and #2 singles (Black Bear and Dre), the score was 3-3 as the match was hanging on a thread. Eli at #5 was down a set and a break while Bryce was just starting his third set against tenacious #3 from Brazil. Sam had won the first set but was down a break to a very impressive #4 from UTT. This was the point of the match where heart and toughness was needed the most. Without hesitation the Slugs stepped up. Bryce was first off with a 6-3 third set victory over back-court Brazilian to give us a 4-3 lead. Next off was Eli with a 6-4 third set victory clinching the match for the Slugs! The comeback Eli displayed that match was one of the highlights of the weekend. Last up was Sam Rodgers who came away with yet another victory by the thinnest of margins. 7-6, 7-6, Sam went for his shots when the pressure was the highest, absolutely fearless. Two days, two wins, the third day was against the highest ranked team of the three.

Monday-Day 3
UCSC vs. #13 Whitman College
8-1 Slugs

This was the last match of the weekend, could we finish with the same effort we had shown the first two days? Whitman was one of our toughest losses of last season up at their place, this was a match I knew many guys were getting up for. As we sat in our conference room before going out to play that Monday afternoon the overall vibe was mixed. Some guys looked ready and some looked tired. It was going to be a true test for us and to be honest I had no idea how we would handle it. For the third day in a row our doubles put forth a brilliant effort. Andre and Chris won again, this time 8-1, playing hands-down the best doubles I have seen from them. Erich and Erik won 9-7 at #1 with just one break of serve, Riza hitting some huge shots when needed most. Bryce and Max went undefeated on the weekend serving out a 8-6 win for the Slugs. As we went into the circle up after doubles once again, I think we all agreed that we were forming a habit we could all get used to.

As we went out we stayed strong winning four of the six singles matches in straight sets. Erich Koenig at #1 took down the #3 ranked player in the nation 6-1, 7-5! Erich is clearly proving himself as one of the top and toughest players in the country. He has been a leader on this team since the day he stepped foot on these courts as a freshman and is finding his stride as he leads our team at the #1 position in both singles and doubles. At #2 and #3 both Dre and Bryce took down their opponents with another stingy and amazing effort. These two have made habit in not giving their opposition an inch if un-earned. Bryce lost only one set in singles play over the weekend-absolutely ruthless. With Eli losing a tough match against a very tough player at #5, and Riza winning a huge 6-0 third set match at #6, the Slugs were up 7-1 with one match to go.....none other than....Sam Rodgers. I've decided that Sam just really likes to put on a show for the fans as we went into the 10 pt. super-tiebreaker for the match. At 0-5 Sam must have decided it was time to turn it on because in true Sammy style he came roaring back, one point at a time. With a 10-7 victory the Slugs had won 8-1 and gone 3-0 over a very strenuous weekend. I was so proud of Sam's effort yet again. Not because he won, but because he fought every point to the very end. He dug in deeper and deeper as the matches got closer, with grit and fight, a true warriors effort.

As we look ahead taking confidence and information to work from, the Slugs prepare for a challenging Spring break. The first half of our trip will be in LA followed by a close of the break down in San Diego. We will be facing some of the top teams in the country, a true test for where we are in the heavy mix of division three opponents. Next up is battle with my best friend and mentor Bob Hansen and the Middlebury Panthers on Sunday March 24th at 3pm down in LA. It is a privilege and honor to play this match, as I know we will both be going at each other with everything we have. Thanks once again for all the continued support of Slug Tennis from so many of you. Whether it is a donation or showing up at matches to cheer, I so appreciate keeping this unit we all know as the "Slugs Tennis Family" thriving. As always our quest to become a National Championship team continues. With the NCAA's in approximately two months we will continue to take this season one day at a time. It is what has gotten us to where we are today, it is what will get us where we want to be come may.

Sincerely,

Coach Parmelly

The Annual Cruz/Redlands Battle…

Slug Tennis Family,

This past Saturday the young men of Slug Tennis went into battle with #17 Nationally ranked University of Redlands. It has been an annual D3 regional rivalry since before my time, Slugs vs. Bulldogs; this competition was no different. It was a special match for me as many of my closest friends and family came to support the Slugs. Quick thanks to my pops, Duke, for the great surprise and the magnitude of cheering that put even me to shame. I would also like to take a second to thank my assistant coach Brian Pybas who is continuing to become an amazing coach right before my eyes. His determination and work-load, combined with his amazing eye and talent, are having massive effects on this teams success. Let’s get to the breakdown....

UC Santa Cruz vs. University of Redlands

The match began as the energy, screams, and chants rose amongst the East Tennis Facility. Both teams have a reputation for being very loud and intense, neither disappointed making for a spectacular match environment. With a yet another win at #3 doubles(Chris/Dre), the winning streak of these two continues. These two are continuing to play very impressive and consistent doubles on day-by-day basis. With a 8-6 loss at #2 doubles(Bryce/Max aka the nudder brothers), the Slugs were tied 1-1 as our #1 team of Erik Rosner and Erich Koenig were in a huge hole 4-7. Point by point and shot by shot the match got closer and closer as Redlands was unable to close it out. Five games later Erich and Erik let out huge roars as they absolutely gutted out a 9-7, come from behind, victory for the Slugs!

Going into the singles up 2-1 our boys were pumped! Garrett Deguchi had already secured a pro-set singles win during the doubles over a very strong well-ranked freshman. With a victory like that it is simple to see how much Garrett has improved since joining the squad. His continued hard work is impressive on many levels. As we entered the singles all of the first sets stayed tight as the match went on and on throughout the afternoon. First off was junior Bryce Bettwy with another fantastic singles showing at #3 singles. With a 6-3, 6-2 victory over a very tough Nick Cummins, the Slugs were up 3-1. Erik Rosner, fighting with all he had, lost a very close 6-3, 6-4, match to the #5 from Redlands making the overall score 3-2 in favor of the Slugs. Next off was a huge win by Andre Halabi at #2 singles with a score of 6-4, 6-0. Andre’s ability to be relentless when given the opportunity showed through his amazing demonstration in his second set.

With a 4-2 lead the match was far from over. Sam Rodgers and Max were in 3^rd sets and Black Bear at #1 was about to split sets himself. The clincher, with another amazing 3^rd set effort, was senior Sam Rodgers. He raised his game yet again when it was needed most, taking the 3^rd set with a dominant score of 6-0, clinching the match for the Slugs. Next was Black Bear at #1 who played a super 10-point match tiebreaker for the finish. Although down 5-1 Erich dug in, as I have seen him do over and over again, to come back with a 10-7 victory. Last up was Max Littlejohn who was down 5-2 in the third set. Point by point he fought and fought, playing better and better as the set continued. With forehand winner after forehand winner Max went on to a 7-6 3^rd set victory making the final score 7-2 Slugs!

After the match I asked the boys how many of them were down a break at some point in either their singles or doubles matches before coming back to victory. As almost every person in the room raised their hand it was clear what a gritty and resilient effort we had just put forth that day. It was a touching moment to see these boys show such fight and heart, it is starting to simply be a part of how this 2013 team functions.

This upcoming weekend is our biggest home weekend of the season. With three huge regional D3 matches, all teams in the top 20, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, the quality of competition will not disappoint. First we have the Sagehens of Pomona-Pitzer this Saturday at 10am, followed by a very tough UT-Tyler Sunday at 10am. Monday we will be playing yet another very strong Whitman team at 2:30pm. All matches will be played at our East Facility and I hope to see as many Slug supporters as possible. I’ll keep you posted,

Sincerely,

Coach Parmelly

Recap of ITA National Indoor Championships- University of Redlands at home this Saturday March 2nd

Slug Tennis Family,

The Slugs came away from the ITA National Indoor Championships last weekend with a 1-2 record. Although, result based, we did not do as well as we would have liked, it was an amazing trip giving us plenty of insight into what went well and where we need work. We were blessed to have Enrique Koenig, the papa of Black Bear, join us for entire trip, a heart felt thank you to Enrique for taking care of the Slugs over the weekend and keeping their belly’s full. Please go to this website if you wish to see detailed results of the tournament: https://gustavus.edu/athletics/mt/ITA/2012/scoreboard.php

Match 1

UCSC vs. Trinity

Our first match against regional rival Trinity University didn’t begin until 5:30pm that Friday evening. It was a high intensity match from start to finish, the match going late into the night with the conclusion occurring around 11:30pm.  With the long history we have had with this team from Texas over the years, it was no surprise that this match was a barn-burner down to the last point. Erich Koenig and Eli Scandalis faced a tough 8-0 loss at #1 doubles to start the match. Trinity’s #1 team came out firing and we were unable to keep up. At #3 doubles the streak of Dre and Chris Goetz continued as they won a tough and bloody 8-6 match, keeping the Slugs within reach. After a 8-4 loss at #2 doubles by Bryce and Max, the Slugs went into the singles down 1-2.  The boys came out with great tenacity and determination, there was a long battle ahead of us. 

Eli Scandalis was first off with a tough loss at #4 6-3, 6-1. Next off was a brilliant showing by Andre Halabi with a 6-2, 6-1 victory against a very tough #2 from Trinity. Erich Koenig was next off going down to the #1 player in the country from Trinity 6-4, 6-4. Bryce Bettwy got the match back within reach with a 6-4, 6-4 victory at #3. With small changes Bryce has been committing to in his game, results are starting to show. With this the score was 3-2 in favor of Trinity, Sam and Max were the last two on giving everything they had to grit one out for the Slugs. With both Sam and Max losing the first sets it looked as if this match was almost over. I was so impressed with both of these two as they clawed their way back into the match both winning the second sets in tiebreakers! At this the match rose to an immensely intense level, Sam was the first off with a 6-2 third set victory having tied the match at 4-4. Max Littlejohn gave all he had in that last set, it was just not enough finishing with a 6-3 third set loss. The match was an absolute war and the boys fought to the very end. As we left the bubble it was time to get food and regroup, we had a match to play mere hours later. 

Match 2
UCSC vs. host Gustavus Adolphus

After eating the Slugs got home a little before 2am. Four hours of sleep and we were up and eating breakfast, truly testing our resilience after such a tough loss hours previous. By introductions my team was back and ready to battle, it was a new day to see what we were made of. In Doubles the Slugs went down 2-1 like the match before. Erich and Eli lost a very close 9-7 match while Max and Bryce did the same with a score of 8-6. With yet another win at #3 doubles by Andre and Chris, the Slugs were still in the match going into singles.

At #6 singles Max was first off with a 6-1, 6-0 loss. Erich Koenig went on to play a fantastic match beating the #10 ranked player in the country 6-3, 7-5. Bryce Bettwy continued his inspiring streak with a 6-3, 6-3, victory at #3. With a loss at #2 singles by Andre, 6-4, 6-2, the Slugs were down 4-3 with two matches in mid play. Both Eli and Sam went on to win the first sets as the match came down to mere points. Sam won his first set pretty comfortably 6-3, and Eli played a fantastic tiebreaker to secure his first set. Both players went on to lose the second sets, just like that it was coming down to the final sets at both spots. Back and forth, back and forth, momentum shifted as both boys gave all they had. By the time Sam had won his third set 6-4, Eli was facing a tough 5-2 deficit. With a tenacious effort Eli managed to fight his way back into the match getting it to 5-5. Coming up just short with a 7-5 third set loss, amongst blow horns and cheers from the crowd, the Slugs character would be tested yet again.

Match 3

UCSC vs. N.C. Wesleyan

Exhausted, with very little sleep, the UCSC Men’s tennis team met that afternoon to break down the loss they had faced that morning. It is not easy to bounce back and stay positive after two tough losses like that, but it was necessary as we had one more match to play mere hours away. I would agree that it was challenging to bounce back given the circumstances, but I wouldn’t have expected anything less from these young men. And with that, 8:45pm that same evening, the Slugs were to do battle with a very talented N. C. Wesleyan from North Carolina.

In Doubles the Slugs came out firing with fantastic energy, bouncing cheers back and forth amongst their teammates. It was on of my most proud moments of the trip, taking the tough road we dug in and gave a valiant effort. In Doubles we had another amazing effort by Chris and Dre at #3 doubles with a decisive 8-2 victory. Given their continued success they continue to work as nothing has changed, truly amazing. Bryce and Max followed that with a 8-4 victory, and Eli and Erich lost a close 8-6 match giving the Slugs a 2-1 lead going into the singles.

With a lineup switch, first off was a fantastic effort by senior Erik Rosner. With a 6-2, 6-2, victory Erik pushed the lead for the Slugs to 3-1. Andre lost a very close 6-4, 7-5 match at #2, while Bryce lost 6-4, 6-2, to a very talented #3 from N.C. Wesleyan. Just like that the score was tied 3-3 as Erich Koenig was going to war with the #2 ranked player in the country.  With a gritty and courageous effort Erich won his match in straight sets 6-2, 6-4, putting the Slugs back into position to win this match. It was a break through weekend of singles for Black Bear to say the least. Last on were Sam and Eli as we battled to get one more point for the Slugs. The first sets were hairy, at one point both being down breaks, but Sam took charge winning his first set 7-5. Eli lost the first in a crazy close tiebreaker 11-9. Sam went on to win his second set 6-0 for the Slugs having a 3-0 singles effort on the weekend. Hard work has always been characteristic of Sam’s effort, watching him relax into becoming such an amazing competitor has been most rewarding. Although the match was decided Eli continued his match playing an amazing second set winning 6-1. After losing a 10-3 super breaker the match was over, but the Slugs (at 2:30am) walked away that morning with what my old coach used to call, “a little bacon.”

To sum up all that happened this past weekend, and all that we have learned, would extend for pages. I was proud of our character, I was proud of our fight, and I was proud of our support for each other through the highs and lows. This program has always been about adversity and most importantly how we respond to it. Being a developmental team there is never time to stop as if we have arrived. It is a continual journey of learning, pushing, and growing. We are wrapping up a full week of practice as we get ready for University of Redlands tomorrow at 10am here at home. There have been no days off, no breaks, just hard work both on and off-court to keep us moving in the direction we desire. This group never ceases to amaze me. We will not stop and we will not give up,

Sincerely,

Coach Parmelly