Men’s Tennis Battles Heat and High-Powered Bakersfield

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – The Vaqueros Men's Tennis team traveled to Bakersfield for a conference match on Thursday, battling heat along with a quality host program. Bakersfield won the contest 9-0.

 

The Vaqueros competed well despite not gaining a point in the match. Doubles No. 1 team Loris Alem and Ludwig Chan played at a high level against effective, high-powered opponents. The energy was there and the Vaqs stayed in close contact until late in the pro set, when Bakersfield pulled away to take the set 8-6.

In singles, Herman Sagedahl had another long battle against Duket, an opponent who presented a very different kind of challenge. Sagedahl had to withstand a lot of court pressure as Duket served and volleyed and came forward frequently. It was a totally different rhythm, but Sagedahl did well taking the ball earlier and putting down in front of his opponent. The match quality was high even though the conditions were quite challenging with the heat. The Vaquero lost the match 4-6, 4-6, showing that he is capable of adapting against a different style, "a great signal of improvement," said head coach Danny Echt.

 

Meanwhile, Ludwig Chan played another marathon three-setter that ended in favor of Bakersfield's Gonzag. The effort on both players' behalf was a great display of guts and sportsmanship.

 

"Ludi responded well by adapting to a more attacking style when the opportunity presented itself, and the quality of his returns of serve were excellent against a tough left handed server," Echt continued. "Ludi's return of serve has come a long way as he is showing more patience seeing the ball and staying calm."

 

The Vaqueros have a quick turnaround, traveling back home to Santa Barbara tomorrow, Friday, to host Orange Coast. At the time of publication, the Vaqueros had won that match 8-1.