COS Men’s Tennis Wins Both Ends of Doubleheader vs. Imperial Valley

VISALIA, Calif. – The College of the Sequoias men's tennis team earned a pair of victories in a home doubleheader against Imperial Valley College on Wednesday, February 4. Behind strong doubles play and great performances in singles, the Giants took the first match 7-2 and followed with a tight 5-4 win to sweep the day.

Match 1: Sequoias 7, Imperial Valley 2

In the first matchup, the Giants claimed two of three doubles courts to take an early edge. Sophomores Kenneth Catalan (Lemoore HS) and Christopher Rosales (Mt. Whitney HS) delivered a gritty 8-6 win at No. 2 doubles to secure momentum heading into singles. COS was also awarded a win at No. 3 doubles via forfeit.

"Our doubles combinations are starting to click," said head coach Martin Herrera. "Kenneth and Chris stuck to the game plan and gained early momentum that made a big difference."

Freshman Robert Dan (El Diamante HS) kept the momentum going with a 6-1, 6-1 win. Fellow Mt. Whitney product Tomas Mendez battled back after dropping the first set at No. 3 singles, rallying for a 1-6, 6-3, (10-6) win. Seth Herrera (Mt. Whitney HS) added another point at No. 4 singles, controlling play in a 6-4, 6-1 win.

Two additional points were secured via forfeit, sealing the 7-2 win for the Giants.

Match 2: Sequoias 5, Imperial Valley 4

The second match saw the teams trading points throughout the afternoon, with COS narrowly edging Imperial Valley 5-4 thanks to another dominant effort from Dan at No. 1 singles. The freshman stayed locked in and delivered a 6-0, 6-0 win to clinch the overall match for the Giants.

"Robert really stepped up for us," Herrera said. "He played with great focus and consistency from the baseline. We're proud of how he competed today."

Brody Nordyke (Tulare Western HS) and Rosales came through in doubles with a crucial 9-7 win at No. 2, while the Giants also received a forfeit victory at No. 3 doubles. However, Imperial Valley fought back in singles, taking three of the next four courts, including tight matches by Ismael Navarro (Tulare Western HS) and Benjamin Kim (Redwood HS).

With the team score tied at 4-4, it came down to Dan once again. His effort left no doubt and gave COS the sweep on the day.

Up Next

College of the Sequoias will return to action next week when they travel to the Modesto Tournament on Friday, Feb. 13 to Saturday, Feb. 14 at Modesto Junior College.

Results

Match 1: COS 7 – Imperial Valley 2

Doubles

• J. Montesino / G. Cruz (IVC) def. R. Dan / N. Satterlee – 8-4

• K. Catalan / C. Rosales (COS) def. A. Casey / E. Velasquez – 8–6

• COS won by forfeit

Singles

• R. Dan (COS) def. G. Cruz – 6–1, 6–1

• J. Montesino (IVC) def. K. Catalan – 6–4, 1–6, 10–7

• T. Mendez (COS) def. A. Casey – 1–6, 6–3, 10–6

• S. Herrera (COS) def. E. Velasquez – 6–4, 6–1

• COS won by forfeit (2 points)

Match 2: COS 5 – Imperial Valley 4

Doubles

• J. Montesino / G. Cruz (IVC) def. S. Herrera / E. Treadaway – 8–4

• B. Nordyke / C. Rosales (COS) def. A. Casey / E. Velasquez – 9–7

• COS won by forfeit

Singles

• R. Dan (COS) def. J. Montesino – 6–0, 6–0

• G. Cruz (IVC) def. E. Mendez – 6–1, 6–4

• E. Velasquez (IVC) def. I. Navarro – 6–2, 7–5

• A. Casey (IVC) def. B. Kim – 6–1, 6–0

• COS won by forfeit (2 points)