Vaqueros Show Resolve and Energy Against Bakersfield
March 26, 2026
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Santa Barbara City College Men's Tennis hosted Bakersfield in a Western State Conference (WSC) match on Thursday, falling 6-3.
The result was a marked improvement from last week's 9-0 loss at Bakersfield, though. The Vaqueros came out with solid doubles energy and played high percentage attacking points. The No. 3 team of Herman Sagedahl and Floris Van Bladel had an excellent start; Sagedahl kept his opponents at bay with his forehand, while Van Bladel showed his savvy play at the net.
"I was most impressed with the fun and competitive spirit that our No. 3 team brought," head coach Danny Echt said.
Meanwhile, despite a slow start from Matias Lapidus and Nick Bosch-Garza, the Vaqueros' No. 2 team found their rhythm in the middle of the pro set, coming back from down 3-0 to win their doubles point 8-6.
"Nick and Matias are starting to understand and play off each other," Echt continued, "and they are both showing that they can be fierce at the net."
Captain Ludwig Chan had a very strong performance again in his singles match on court two. After a first-set 6-4 win, he won the second via a 7-5 tiebreak to clinch the match, and another Vaqueros' point.
"Ludi managed to settle into points, and he managed the variety that his opponent was throwing at him," Echt said. "He was strong at making his opponent move off of the shorter ball, which shows great tactical improvement."
Bosch-Garza took control of his singles point on court four and never stepped off the gas, winning 6-0, 6-2. A complete performance, Bosch-Garza won both his doubles and singles matches on the day.
"We played with energy and focus today and our attitude was great," Bosch-Garza said. "We have been improving in our practices and it's starting to show. What sets us apart is our mindset: we compete hard and try to outwork our opponents, and we are a respectful and positive team."
The Vaqueross travel to neutral-site Bakersfield tomorrow to play against one of Northern California's top junior college teams, American River.