Spring Break recap for the Slugs-Next up Cal Lutheran…

Slug Tennis Family,

The Slugs got back late last Friday night after a long week (spring break) of tennis. Five dual matches in six days, three wins, two losses, tons of highlights, and most importantly, ample information as we set our sights on our final stretch of the season. It was a fantastic trip on the whole, tons of support from family and friends, and continued beastly efforts from the Slug Warriors in yellow. I’m going to keep the recaps short, I have dinner plans in six hours, but will give you some insight into each of the five matches. If you would like specific scores of these matches please go our www.goslugs.com website.

Day 1

UCSC vs Middlebury(#9)

Our first match of the spring break was a tough one. Middlebury played strong that day, and although we took the #3 doubles match soundly and went three sets in four of the six singles matches, the panthers walked away with an 8-1 victory.  Chris Goetz and Andre stacked our only win at #3 doubles 8-2. At #1 doubles Erich Koenig and Erik Rosner lost a close 8-6 match with momentum swings from start to finish.

In singles Andre Halabi and Erik Rosner lost in straight sets. Erich Koenig and Eli Scandalis lost in three set matches, while both Bryce Bettwy and Sam Rodgers lost in super tiebreakers after the match was decided. Other highlights included great play by Jimmy Soper and Garrett Deguchi in exhibition doubles, followed by singles exhibition wins from both Max Littlejohn and Jimmy. It was a tough loss for us that day and I was very impressed with how the team handled it. The next day we were to play Williams, the #3 team in the country.

Day 2

UCSC vs Williams(#3)

On day two we were off to play Williams of Massachusetts. The doubles was tight as I was very impressed with the level on all courts. Bryce and Max lost to a very tough #2 team and Erik and Erich lost another close one 9-7 at #1. Our last match on was Chris Goetz and Andre Halabi at #3, who hadn’t lost a match in who knows how long. With absolutely brilliant and clutch play Chris and Dre took down their match 8-6, Chris holding that left fist high to the sky in celebration.

In Singles we had amazing efforts by Andre and Sam Rodgers both winning in straight sets against extremely tough opponents. Both Andre and Sam are proving how tough they are at their spots day in and day out. With tough 3-set losses by Erich and Bryce at #1 and #3 singles, the Slugs were down 4-3 going into our last matches of the afternoon. We lost both matches in close straight set battles. Erik played an awesome first set at #6 singles, points away from taking it, while Eli played some of the best tennis I have seen him play this season at #5. It was another tough loss to face, but the feeling of what we could accomplish with a little improvement was felt throughout the squad.

Day 3

UCSC vs Depauw

With an attempt mix our doubles teams up the Slugs went down 2-1 going into the singles against division 3 Depauw University. It is our goal to put the three best teams together at all three spots, given this last minute change, the boys handled it very well. Erich Koenig/Chris Goetz and Erik Rosner/Bryce Bettwy both lost very close matches. Andre and Max Littlejohn won 8-3 to give us our doubles point. Winning five of the six singles matches in straight sets the Slugs walked away with a 6-3 win. It was a great finish to the day as our boys worked hard. From there it was down to San Diego to play one of our UC Rivals division 2 UCSD.

Day 4

UCSC vs UCSD

With another victory at #3 doubles (seems to be our lucky spot), and losses at #1 and #2 the Slugs went down 2-1 going into singles. We had a long match ahead of us against a very talented team, as always the Slugs dug in and fought with everything they had. With tough straight set losses from Andre and Erik at #2 and #6 singles the Slugs were one match away from defeat. Eli Scandalis played arguably his toughest and most inspiring match of the season, winning at #5 singles 6-3, 7-5. Next off was Erich Koenig with a brilliant 6-0, 7-5, win at #1. Solid and still aggressive, he put a great match together that Thursday afternoon. With that the Slugs were down 4-3 with two matches left on the court. Bryce Bettwy and Sam Rodgers…

As Bryce split sets at #3 singles I went over to see how Sam was doing. My assistant coach Brian Pybas went over to sit with Bryce, if there was anyone who could help Bryce through this one it was Brian. His coaching has improved dramatically this season with leadership and commitment like I have never seen from him. Sam had won the first set and was in a close 2^nd set when I arrived. From 3-2 he went on to win the next three games, clinching his match and bringing his team to a 4-4 tie. Sam continues to impress with his ability to step up when the time is needed most. I had heard that Bryce was down 5-1 at one point in the third, holding serve his opponent was serving for the match at 5-2. 30-0, Rajeev Herekar was 2 points away from clinching the match for the Tritons. 30-15…30-30…30-40…Break Bryce Bettwy! At 3-5 Bryce held again, Rajeev was to serve it out again at 5-4. Watching Bryce go into “lockdown mode” as we like to call it was absolutely moving. He was relentless, focused, determined, and fearless. Three games later, with a final score of 6-3, 3-6, 7-5, the match was over, our boys charging the court to give Bryce Bettwy a much deserved smothering.  It was such a special day that seemed to put the Slugs back on track. Gritty and tenacious these boys refuse to fold.

Day 5

UCSC vs Mesa Jr. College

Our last match of the break was against a strong Jr. College team from San Diego. With wins from Erich/Chris, Max/Bryce, and Sam/Andre, the Slugs went up 3-0 going into singles. Bryce, Sam, and Erik Rosner finished first with dominating straight set victories. Next off was Max and Erich Koenig with super tiebreaker victories with Andre finishing the 9-0 victory 7-6, 7-5 at #2. It was a great match to close down the break, plenty of highlights and plenty of information on how to improve.

Special thanks to the Koenig’s for such a great visit and feeding the boys Tuesday night. Enrique’s meatballs gave them fuel for three days solid! Huge thanks to the Rosner’s who housed most our boys for 3 days/nights, along with tons of food and hospitality. Aneesa and Dwane huge thanks for the grub and ping pong tourney, along with the awesome hospitality from the Bettwy’s. To all the parents and supporters/friends that made it out to the matches, thanks as always for the support.

Next up is our last and biggest home match of the season against #6 Cal Lutheran University on Sunday April 14^th at 1pm. With the potential to host regionals still intact, the Slugs are looking for a much needed win on these our home courts. It has been one amazing season so far, the finish line in sight, our plan is to peak when it’s most needed. This is the part of the season we train for, we prepare for, the time when we put it all together in attempt to win a NCAA National Title. These boys are putting in hours and hours of work, they are extremely fit, they are mentally tough, and they are the last team I would want to face in regionals come may. I’ll keep you posted…

Sincerely,

Coach Parmelly