On Friday, we took to the courts for our ITA Regional, with 11 singles and 5 doubles entrants. The field of this 64 (singles) and 32 (doubles) draw was as deep as I've ever seen it. Traditional powers like CMS, Santa Cruz, Redlands, and Cal Lu were joined by improved programs Whittier and Chapman, as well as other SCIAC programs. In my nine years I've watched this tournament field get deeper and stronger each year.
The tournament gave us a great idea as to where we are right now, and where we will need to be come spring. Overall, I was very impressed with how we played, and the work we've put in paid off in many ways. At the same time, we definitely received good feedback and have a good idea as to what we need to work on until January. We were able to see three freshmen in action with Connor Sutton, Connor Hudson, and Mike Chang. Connor Sutton took on Julian Seneviratne, the 10 seed from Whittier. It was certainly a tough match-up for a first college match, and Sutton came out on the losing end, but showed me an ability to play at a very high level. If he can limit some unforced errors and mental mistakes, his ceiling is extremely high. In the consolation bracket, Connor took his lessons from the first match and applied it to in his next round. Taking on Connor Treacy of Cal Lu, Sutton pulled out a tough 3-6, 6-0, 10-4 win. In the next round, facing an opponent from his junior section, Connor rolled 6-2, 6-1 against Teddy Jones of Redlands. Unfortunately, he ran into the 7 seed, a Santa Cruz transfer student from D-I UCSB. Connor showcased his ability to push his opponent around the court, but wasn't able to consistently execute and lost 1 and 1.
Frosh Mike Chang shook off some early jitters in his first match to compete well against Bryce Bettwy of UC Santa Cruz, dropping the first set 7-5. Unfortunately, he ran out of gas in the second, dropping it 6-1. Mike learned that when he's sharp and fit, he can beat anyone, but right now he needs to improve his fitness, and with that mental toughness will become a weapon for him.
Connor Hudson showed some mental toughness in the first round, facing Chapman's #1 player Andre Herd. After dropping the first set 6-4, and facing match points in the second, Connor played fearless tennis, grabbing the second set in a breaker and rolling in the third, 6-0. This impressive first round win left Connor tired and with only a short break he had to take on Andre Halabi of UC Santa Cruz, the 16 seed. Last season, Andre lost only 3 DIII dual matches, and is a ferocious competitor who delights in wearing down his opponents. In the 90 plus degree heat, Connor showed up to play. Possessing the power to knock Halabi off the court, Conner grabbed the first set 7-5 and then rolled in the second, 6-3, placing him in the round of 16. The next morning, Connor faced CMS frosh Warren Wood, a five-star recruit and the 5 seed. Wood proved too tough, but Connor also learned that he can hang with anyone, and his ability to focus and close out points will determine how far he can go.
Joining Hudson in the second round was sophomore and 9 seed Chris Wiechert. In the first round, Chrisfelt out his opponent, Dylan Tevlin of Chapman. Not entirely comfortable and a bit jittery, Chris played well enough to grab the 6-4, 6-2 win. In the next round, he faced a dangerous opponent in Redland's Anish Nanda. Chris played well when he needed to and displayed toughness and determination en route to a 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 win. In the round of 16, Chris started off well against CMS frosh Cameron Bernhardt. Jumping out to a 4-1 lead, Chris looked sharp and capitalized on some early mistakes. Bernhardt made some adjustments and stormed back, grabbing the first set, 6-4 and then taking a his one break in the second to win 6-3. At times, Chris looked very sharp, but his opponent was able to keep Chris off the baseline. Overall a very good learning experience for Chris.
Max Sabel made a great run in the tournament, displaying an improved serve and volleys. In the first round, Max dispatched his opponent, Jamie Grossman of OXY 6-3, 6-1. In the next round, Max stayed focused despite some strange antics and an unconventional game from his opponent from Chapman. Max took the first set 6-4, and was leading 2-0 when his opponent succumbed to the heat. In the round of 16, Max took on one of CMS top freshmen, Nikolas Marino. Max jumped out to an early lead and grabbed the first set 6-0 before Marino could make any adjustments. In the second set, Marino mixed it up and made a solid adjustment, winning the match, 0-6, 6-3, 6-2. Max learned a ton from the frustrating experience and it will definitely make him stronger come spring.
Tommy cruised through the first round and in the second round didn't play his best, but good enough for the win. In the round of 16, Tommy found himself down a set to Cal Lu's Ray Worley. In the second set, Tommy found his timing and grabbed the set. In the third, Worley took the advantage and looked to be cruising to the win, up 5-2 serving. But exhaustion and heat got the better of Worley and the door opened just a crack. That was all Tommy needed as he broke and got back into the match, swinging the momentum solidly in his favor. That fifth game was the last Worley would win, as Tommy took the third set and the match, 3-6, 6-2, 7-5. The long round of 16 match took its toll on Tommy in the next round as he didn't have the juice to put up much fight against a very tough Alex Johnson of CMS, falling 6-3, 6-2.
Our doubles performances this weekend were very up and down. Max and Uday played brilliantly for much of the tournament, serving and moving effectively until they were serving for the match against the 2 seeds from UC Santa Cruz. At that point, the Cruz team made some great returns and our movement got a little soft. It was a frustrating loss for sure, but will help us be better in a few months. Mike Chang and Connor Sutton played some very strong doubles this tournament, leaarning to work with each other and displaying the teamwork and energy that will bring them success in the future. We will need that energy and focus as doubles will define our season.
I would like to offer a thank you to the Groth family and Connor Hudson's father for coming to the tournament. A special thank you to Joanne Wiechert for keeping the guys hydrated and fed. It is so great to have the presence of family at our team events.
As we enter our final week of practice this fall, we have a great deal to work on, but the focus and determination to make the best of every situation. I am going to enjoy these final practices of the fall.
Sincerely,
Ben
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