Vaqueros end regular season with a sweep of Fullerton 9-0

The Vaqs doubles teams came out a bit uneven and struggled on returns in the first few games. SBCC had little trouble holding serves as the Vaqueros hit a high percentage of first serves and the net men were aggressive and smart with their volley placement. At position #2, after 2 return games, Ada Guler and Matias Lapidus took early control when they established better service return rhythm. Ada was finding his forehand and using it well while Matias was showing creativity at the net as they broke their opponents early and continued to hold serve until the 8-3 victory. On #1 court, Daniel Truong and Mauritz Seitz were battling early in the set as Fullerton was returning serves effectively and putting pressure on the Vaqs service games. But the Vaqs #1 showed resiliency and communicated very well under pressure as they mixed in various serve formations and kept the returners guessing. It was in the 7th game that Mauritz found his serve return rhythm which gave the Vaqs a break serve to go up 4-3. Then, at 7-6, in the biggest game of the pro set, Daniel served with variety; despite Fullerton getting ahead 30-0 that game, Daniel and Mauritz kept their resolve and stuck to their game plan, recovering well. At match point, Truong served and executed a very difficult volley from a well hit low return, and the Vaqs closed out the match 8-6. 

 

"Today, our team came in wanting a strong showing to end our regular season, and we did just that," captain Daniel Truong said. "This match was very symbolic of our season. In doubles, we started slow but finished incredibly strong. In singles, we fought to the end and got the results we desired.

 

"I'm also very happy to have gotten the chance get a different perspective on the match as an assistant coach for the match. Seeing how hard the boys competed was very inspiring and how they tactically maneuvered themselves throughout the match helped me form ideas to improve my own game."

 

Coach Danny Echt commented, "The singles performances this week have been impressive and I think it is an indication that the Vaqueros are showing they trust themselves on the court, and are making sound decisions in their shot selections. The Vaqs are playing with more of a concept of limiting unforced errors and in turn finding balls to attack. It is fun to watch a team construct points well and build confidence." 

 

Highlights include #3 Connor Schloemer playing a solid first set and then finding himself down 2-5 in the second set. It was at that moment that he buckled down and grinded out a few games by being steady and keeping the ball deep and effectively earned shorter balls to attack and come in behind. Connor won 4 straight games and had two match points that got away from him. The second set tiebreaker was a great display of mental toughness and patience on Schloemer's part, as he served and volleyed at match point to win 6-3, 7-6 (7-3).

 

The Vaqueros--who have won their last two matches quite convincingly--are 5-6 on the season and will compete in the WSC Individuals tournament next week in Ventura. The Vaqs team earned the #5 seed in the Regional team playoffs which will resume on April 9.