Men’s Tennis Cruises in 3C2A Regional Round One against Santa Barbara

After hauling in an Orange Empire Conference (OEC) Co-Championship and advancing every qualifying player to the 3C2A State Championships, the Riverside City College men's tennis team kicked off regional playoffs by hosting the Santa Barbara City College Vaqueros in the first round on home turf. The Tigers fought through tough doubles matches with a pair of singles clinching the victory by the final score of 5-0.

The Tigers leaned on strong play from some regulars and newcomers in the lineup. Sophomore duo Carlos Rullan and Raphael Rullan, who were the conference's top doubles duo, held down the top spot and won an exciting 9-7 match. Sophomore Noah Canones and freshman Raphael Delente pocketed a mirroring 9-7 win at the third slot, while freshman tandem Emilio Real and Enrico Recchia pocketed an 8-3 dub in the second position.

It was a really good match," said Real and Recchia after a strong showing. "We have played really well together and have only lost one match this year. We are really excited and we are doing our best."

Their approach did not differ from any other match this season. They stayed true to their unique bread and butter; the pump up game. 

"We talk a little bit before the match and talk about being together from the beginning to the end. That's how we get fired up. Every game we push each other and support the entire team."

The match was settled after a pair of two set sweeps as the playoff format only requires you to play out the overall match until the one team clinches the victory.

C. Rullan won his set at the fourth position by the final count of 6-2, 6-0, while Real closed it out at the second position with a 6-2, 6-2 win.

Riverside (14-2, 7-1 OEC, 1-0 3C2A Playoffs) will play the Ventura College Pirates on the road Thursday, April 18 in the second round at 2 p.m.