Thursday, October 1
Claremont, CA
UC Santa Cruz Athletics
vs
ITA Regionals
Slugs Move on to the ITA Small College College National Championships
10/3/2009 9:14:00 PM | Men's Tennis
Dear Slug Tennis Fans, Our ITA Regional ended on a great note as the last match on was won by Slugs Marc Vartabedian and Brian Pybas who claimed the doubles title with a 7-5,7-6 win over the talented duo of Ronald Wu and Robbie Erani of Claremont!
They were awarded with All-American honors and a trip to the ITA Small College National Championships Oct 15-18 in Mobile, Alabama for their remarkable run. The final match was a treat as Marc and Brian were severely tested and responded in championship form with clutch and timely play! I have waited a long time to see this pair in action as they reached the final of this event four years ago early in their freshman year. As good as they were then, they are much improved now and look to be a force this season!
Highlights abounded as our young team showed it's promise of stepping into the large shoes of last years NCAA championship squad. In singles five Slugs reached the round of 16. Seeded returning players Marc, Brian and Silvio Chiba were joined by Donald James and Frosh Erich Koenig moving into the third round. Only Brian advance to the quarters but Marc lost to the top seed in a wonderfully well played match showing that he will be up to the task of playing near the top of our lineup. Brian lost to the eventual tournament winner but not before pushing him to the limit. With more matches I am confident that Brian will be back in the elite group of top singles players. Silvio, Donald and Erich all took out solid players and showed great focus and determination. Back draw highlights came from Shawn Herry who won the back draw, Parker Larsen who defeated the top rated freshmen in the country, Brant Bates and Sam Rodgers who reached the semi finals with several hard fought matches.
In doubles Silvio Chiba and Ryan Sass defeated several top teams in advancing to the semi finals of the main draw. In the first round freshmen Erich Koenig and Parker Larsen defeated the top seeded team from Redlands 8-3 before falling to a good Claremont team. Brand Bates and Sam Rodgers advanced to the semi finals of the back draw with several good wins. Overall I was extremely proud of our group for their fine play and willingness to look at the challenging path ahead.
I would like to start by thanking our wonderful Slug families and alums for joining us in Claremont. For complete results, click here.
Thanks for all your help and support and go Slugs!
Best wishes, Coach Hansen
They were awarded with All-American honors and a trip to the ITA Small College National Championships Oct 15-18 in Mobile, Alabama for their remarkable run. The final match was a treat as Marc and Brian were severely tested and responded in championship form with clutch and timely play! I have waited a long time to see this pair in action as they reached the final of this event four years ago early in their freshman year. As good as they were then, they are much improved now and look to be a force this season!
Highlights abounded as our young team showed it's promise of stepping into the large shoes of last years NCAA championship squad. In singles five Slugs reached the round of 16. Seeded returning players Marc, Brian and Silvio Chiba were joined by Donald James and Frosh Erich Koenig moving into the third round. Only Brian advance to the quarters but Marc lost to the top seed in a wonderfully well played match showing that he will be up to the task of playing near the top of our lineup. Brian lost to the eventual tournament winner but not before pushing him to the limit. With more matches I am confident that Brian will be back in the elite group of top singles players. Silvio, Donald and Erich all took out solid players and showed great focus and determination. Back draw highlights came from Shawn Herry who won the back draw, Parker Larsen who defeated the top rated freshmen in the country, Brant Bates and Sam Rodgers who reached the semi finals with several hard fought matches.
In doubles Silvio Chiba and Ryan Sass defeated several top teams in advancing to the semi finals of the main draw. In the first round freshmen Erich Koenig and Parker Larsen defeated the top seeded team from Redlands 8-3 before falling to a good Claremont team. Brand Bates and Sam Rodgers advanced to the semi finals of the back draw with several good wins. Overall I was extremely proud of our group for their fine play and willingness to look at the challenging path ahead.
I would like to start by thanking our wonderful Slug families and alums for joining us in Claremont. For complete results, click here.
Thanks for all your help and support and go Slugs!
Best wishes, Coach Hansen
