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Dear Slug Fans, Once again Ojai proved to be a magic location for the Slugs as we took both the singles and doubles titles for the first time since 2001 in this prestigious event with very strong performances up and down the lineup. With 8 players entered in singles and 4 doubles teams, all advanced to the second round against this highly competitive field! First round highlights included Max Liberty-Point defeating Claremont’s two player Eric McColl in straight sets and Jeff Fong beating U of Puget Sounds top player also in straight sets. In doubles our number four team of Colin Mark-Griffin and Kian Fattahi advanced to the second round along with a convincing 8-1 defeat of Pacific Lutheran’s 5th seeded team to join our top three teams in the second round. In the second round of singles Marc Vartabedian played a brilliant first set before falling in three sets to Claremont’s Michael Starr while our remaining 7 players all won to reach the final 16! Second round upsets included Silvio Chiba defeating Pacific Lutheran’s Justin Larimore and Jeff Fong defeating Cal Lutheran’s Paul Wetterholm with the remainder of our singles players advancing with solid efforts. In doubles second round action our top three team’s of top ranked and seeded Jared Kamel and Marc Vartabedian and Jared Kamel, Max Oriz and Brian Pybas and Max Liberty-Point and Ilya Gendelman all advanced. Day two was hot as we moved from the first round site in Ventura to the Ojai Valley where second round action was played and our players grit and stamina were tested. Colin Mark-Griffin continued his fine season by jumping out to an early lead on Claremont’s top player and the tournaments top seed, Larry Wang. Using his heavy groundstrokes and improved movement Colin was up a set and 1-0 when Wang retired with and ankle injury. Max Liberty-Point played one of his best matches to date as he defeated fourth seeded Clifford Yook in an extremely well played and entertaining match. Jeff Fong continued his strong showing with a epic three set battle of wills against Claremont’s Russell Brocket which lasted three and a half hours before Jeff prevailed with 7-5 final set win. Joining Colin, Max and Jeff in the quarters were Jared Kamel and Max Ortiz who both advanced with straight wins. In the quarter finals our top player Jared Kamel continued his steam roll through the draw defeating one of the regions top players in Redland’s Eric Wager by scores of 6-4,6-2. Colin continued his great play by being up 5-2 in the third against Redland’s top player Matt Leibman before getting cramps and losing 7-5. I could not have been more proud of Colin as it was hard to watch him lose his first Div lll singles match of the season due primarily to loss of condition in addition to the determined play of his opponent. Max Ortiz advanced to the semi final with a hard fought victory over teammate Max Liberty-Point. In doubles quarter finals action we dropped two tough 8-6 matches as the Nation’s top ranked team of Jared Kamel and Marc Vartabedian lost their first Div lll match of the season to a team from Redlands and our third doubles team of Max Liberty Point and Ilya Gendelman lost to Redlands top team. Our two team of Max Ortiz and Brian Pybas advanced to the doubles final with two great wins over the Pacific Northwest’s top team of the Soloman brothers from Whitman and then beating a Redland’s team in the semi finals. The final day at Libby Park is always a highlight as this premier event is in it’s final stages with great crowds, ball kids, television crews and photographers all adding to the great atmosphere. Jared and Max O played a wonderful semi final match with a great number of winners hit by both players. I was proud to watch such a high level battle as it showed how far both players have come and their combined skills made for a very entertaining match where Max prevailed in two tough sets. In the finals Max prevailed over Pomana Pitzer's Cameron Taylor in a match that was punctuated with tension from both players that led to less quality than either had shown in their great semi final victories. I was extremely proud of how Max handled himself and I am sure he learned a great deal from both winning the championship and dealing with finals pressure. In the doubles final both Max and Brian played brilliantly in defeating their opponents 6-4, 6-1 to remain undefeated for the season and claim the title. This was the first time since 2001 we have won both the singles and doubles titles and shows a great team effort. Thanks so much to all our wonderful parents and fans who were able to join us and help support the team. The entire event was great and gives us a wonderful base going into the NCAA team championships next weekend. We will know later today if we will host regionals or go on the road. In either case we will be well prepared. Thanks again for all your support and go Slugs! Coach Hansen and the Slugs