ARC-1                    IVC-5

Overall: 17-3       Conference: 10-0

Men's Tennis Falls Short in State Championship Match Against Irvine Valley; Finishes Their Most Successful Season in 50 Years

The American River Men's team brought everything they had in their first state championship appearance in five decades, but fell short to the Lasers from Irvine Valley College. With a buzz of energy in the air, the Beavers exploded off the gun to a great start in the doubles, getting up an early break at #1 and #2, and holding serve steadily at #3. Seppi Capaul/Alex Meliuk rode the wave of momentum through to the end, rolling to an 8-3 victory at the #1 position. The combination of Capaul's finesse and deft touch with the lob and Meliuk's overwhelming power form the ground kept their Laser counterparts off balance and frustrated. Unfortunately Cody Duong/Sean McDaniel at #2 and TJ Aukland/Justin Barton at #3 could not sustain their initial level and fell 8-4 and 8-3 respectively. 

Despite being down 2-1 after the doubles, the Beavers were extremely optimistic entering the singles, and it showed with their incredible energy. Cody Duong (#2) got off to a hot start, winning the first set 6-3, and getting up early in the second set 3-0. Alex Meliuk (#1) lost the first set 6-4, but was up two breaks in the second set at 3-0. The Beavers were getting the upper hand at the top two spots and TJ Aukland had battled back at #6 to even his second set at 3-3 after losing the first 6-3. Unfortunately ARC was unable to match the Lasers level in the heart of the lineup. Seppi Capaul (#3), Sean McDaniel (#4), and Dylan King (#5) all played well, and fought hard, but were overmatched by Irvine Valley's depth and the Beavers fell 5-1.

It was an incredible experience for the Beavers and one that will remain in the memories of all the players and coaches that were along for the ride. ARC will now compete in the CCCAA Individual State Championships at Ojai. Included in the singles seedings for Northern California are Alex Meliuk (#1), Cody Duong (#2), and Seppi Capaul (#6). In the doubles Duong/Meliuk were seeded #2 and Capaul/Justin Barton were seeded #7 in Northern California.  Beaver Magic!