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