American River Beavers Win Second Straight NorCal Championship, Will Play for State Championship Versus Irvine Valley College
ARC-9 MJC-0
ARC-5 DEA-0
ARC-5 FH-1
Overall: 17-1 Conference: 7-0
The Beavers rolled through their opponents in the NorCal team playoffs, losing just a single individual match in the process. It is the most dominant performance in recent NorCal playoff history and will give the Beavers the opportunity to compete for the state title for the 2ndyear in a row.
In their first playoff match against Modesto Junior College, the Beavers shutout the Pirates. Highlights included Tam Duong beating MJC #1 JT Barcellos 6-1, 6-1, Eric De Romas (#2), Pete Gibson (#3), and Justin Barton (#4) winning their matches, losing a combined 2 games, and Danny Garcia stepping in to the lineup to earn a 6-2, 6-0 victory.
In the NorCal semifinal the Beavers faced off against the Dons from De Anza College. In an earlier match this season, ARC won 7-2, but won a number of close, hard fought matches. This time the Beavers jumped out to an early 3-0 lead after doubles. At #1 doubles Cody Duong/Tam Duong balanced intensity and composure perfectly, routing the tough De Anza team of Staniszewski/Tavakoli 8-2. At #3 Neville Cooper/Mikey Vizcarra were just as efficient, routing Eastling/Ferrada (DEA) 8-0. In the singles Cody Duong was the first to come off the court as his opponent retired once Duong got up 4-1. The final point for the Beavers was earned by Pete Gibson at #6, as he beat Eastman 6-0, 6-1.
For the third straight season the NorCal championship featured ARC and Foothill College. In 2015 Foothill beat ARC 5-2 and in 2016 the Beavers returned the favor with a 5-2 victory of their own. In 2017 the Beavers were the home team because of the higher seeding they had earned with a 7-2 victory over the Owls earlier in the season. Unfortunately for the Owls they were short-handed due to ineligibilities and injuries. Without 2 of their top 6 players the Owls fought hard, earning 1 point with a victory at #2 doubles, but were no match for the Beavers, as ARC clinched the victory with wins by Andy Vang (#6) 6-1, 6-0, Eric De Romas (#5) 6-2, 6-0, and Tam Duong (#2) 6-1, 6-0. Cody Duong (#1), Mikey Vizcarra (#3), and Neville Cooper (#4) were all up a set when the match was called as ARC clinched.
Next up for the Beavers will be a rematch of the state final from last season against the Lasers from Irvine Valley College. Last year the Lasers beat the Beavers 5-1, but ARC was up in some of the remaining matches. It'll be a great test for the Beavers as they try to keep the Lasers from winning their 3rd straight state title.