Vaqueros Hang Tough, Beat Orange Coast 8-1

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The Vaqueros Men's Tennis team hosted Orange Coast in a non-conference match on Friday, winning 8-1. 

Playing the day before away in the heat of Bakersfield presented the Vaqueros with a tough mental and physical challenge. The SBCC squad showed excellent composure and focus from the start in the doubles round and–with great support from the Women's team–the Men were up to the task. They remained focused and boosted their motivation through the singles round, despite being tested by the back-to-back match conditions.

The doubles round started off a bit uneven for the Vaqueros, however. Once they established some rhythm by getting behind their returns and prolonging the points from the backcourt with effective play at the feet or smart lobs, the tide changed in their favor. SBCC's No. 1 pair of captain Ludwig Chan and Loris Alem got out front first and never stepped off the gas. They showed solid doubles team play, applying court pressure on their opponents by taking time away and coming forward.

"Chan and Alem have been staying in close contact against strong opponents in the last few matches," head coach Danny Echt said, "and it was great for them to take care of their opponents handily, 8-2. They continue to improve their doubles play together."

In singles, the Vaqs got off to a fabulous start, winning all first sets on every line.

"It was a physical test that the Vaqs passed with flying colors–getting that first set under our belts across every line," Echt continued. "This team has consistently battled well and establishing a lead can create a different kind of pressure–one that we haven't faced very frequently as of late. They maturely handled this situation and stayed on-focus with their games, winning all singles lines and showing a great competitive edge."

On court two, Chan had his hands full mentally, especially coming off a very hard-fought three-set match the day prior.

"The kind of heart and passion that Ludi brings to the team and his matches are something beautiful to see," Echt said proudly. "Another three-set match definitely challenged Ludi; he showed resilience and an ability to reset and restart even though the fatigue was definitely creeping in. Ludi won the match 6-3, 6-7(5), 10-5."

The Vaqueros next play away on Tuesday at Glendale before returning home to host Bakersfield on Thursday.