ARC Qualifies All Singles Players and Doubles Teams for State Individual Championships at Ojai
ARC Seeded Players
Singles:
1. Cody Duong
3. Tam Duong
9. Andy Vang
Doubles:
3. Justin Barton/Eric De Romas
4. Neville Cooper/Michael Vizcarra
The Big 8 North Conference Tournament was plagued by drizzling rain throughout the weekend. Because of the rain, the event scoring format was shortened and the tournament was extended through Sunday.
In the singles ARC players dominated the draws, with all six of the Beavers reaching the quarterfinals. Highlighted in the early rounds by #9 seed Andy Vang defeating Solano player, Reis Vince-Cruz, who had previously beaten #8 seed, Jeff Chale (FLC), in the round of 16. In the quarterfinals Cody Duong defeated Beaver teammate Neville Cooper 6-3, 6-3 and in another all Beaver quarterfinal, Tam Duong defeated Eric De Romas 6-1, 6-1. Mikey Vizcarra faced FLC #1 player, Shawn Morgan, and rolled to 6-1, 1-0 (retired) victory to reach the semifinals. In the last quarterfinal Vang faced off against Solano #1 player, Chris Hagler. It was an amazing match in which Vang won the first set 7-5, only to have Hagler even the match with a 6-3 second set win. In the 10-point match tiebreak Vang took an early lead, eventually earning 3 match points at 9-6. Hagler played some amazing offense and Vang missed a key opportunity, as Hagler closed the match out at 11-9. In the semifinals Cody Duong beat Vizcarra 6-1, 6-2 and Tam Duong was up 6-3, 3-0 when Hagler (SOL) retired with a back injury. Cody Duong and Tam Duong will play the final at a later date to determine the conference singles champion.
In the doubles the Beavers had some rough patches in the early rounds. #3 seeded Justin Barton/Eric De Romas lost a tough match against the scrappy tandem of Max Hennessey/Prajna Ta (FLC). After the 1st round loss, Barton/De Romas rolled through the back-draw to qualify for the individual state championships. #4 seeded Neville Cooper/Mikey Vizcarra won their 1st round match to qualify for states, but were upset by #7 seed Fout/Vince-Cruz (SOL) in the quarterfinals. #1 seeded Cody Duong/Tam Duong lost only 1 game in 3 matches on their way to the final against Bychkoviak/Morgan (FLC). This match will be played at a later date due to the weather.
After a conference tournament full of excitement, great moments, and tough moments, the Beavers will now start team playoffs. Their 1st round matchup will be against Modesto Junior College at home on Tuesday, April 11th.