Whittier vs. UCSC: A Preview

Before we start this post, I want you all to just take a second and let the excitement of Indoors just wash over you… Because this weekend isn’t going to be anything like that. The only big match we have on the West-region docket is Whittier vs. UCSC, and I have to say this should be a very interesting match. Whittier’s lone result this season is that thrilling 5-4 win over Bates, while UCSC has populated its schedule with a smattering of DI and DII opponents that make it difficult to gauge their strength.

Schommer's facial hair is the real X-factor here. I would grow some of my own, but I can't
Schommer’s facial hair is the real X-factor here. I would grow some of my own, but I can’t

On paper, it seems pretty clear to me that Whittier has the advantage in this match. DK just beat UCSD’s #1, and it seems he’s playing well enough to get the Poets two points right there, especially with the Slugs’ relative weakness at the #1 spot. One possible weakness that did rear its ugly head in the Bates match, however, was lack of depth. The Poets neutralized Bates’ strength at the top of the singles lineup, but almost lost because of routine losses at 4 and 6. Whittier might be facing a matchup problem, as well. While the Poets are strong at #1 doubles, they haven’t hit their stride yet at 2 and 3, where UCSC has exhibited their strength so far this season. In their recent win over Holy Names University (DII), the Slugs dominated at 2 and 3 doubles, cleaned up at the bottom of the singles lineup, and held on for the team victory with 3-set wins at #1 and #2. Let’s go to the match-by-match:

Doubles

1. Konstantinov/Schommer (WC) vs. Scandalis/Goetz (UCSC)

As I previously mentioned, Konstantinov is on an absolute tear to start the year. Unless he or Schommer has a pointed aversion to lefties, I think Whittier has the advantage. Whittier

2. Chavez/Farmer (WC) vs. Deguchi/Littlejohn (UCSC)

Like I said, I don’t think the Chavez/Farmer team has quite hit their stride at #2 yet, and they will be going up against the TEAM OF DESTINY on their home courts. It’s far from a slam dunk, but I’m going with UCSC.

3. Shimizu/Kenney (WC) vs. Soper/Richter (UCSC)

I think it’s fair to say that Richter has pretty much rescued this team from total mediocrity. He’s a good doubles player, and has shored up their singles depth. Meanwhile, Shimizu and Kenney haven’t found an answer at #3. UCSC takes a 2-1 lead after doubles with the swing match coming at #2.

Singles

1. Konstantinov (WC) vs. Scandalis (UCSC)

Whittier. Nuff said.

2. Schommer (WC) vs. Littlejohn (UCSC)

Schommer probably wins this match 7/10 times. He’s solid pretty much everywhere on the court, but suffers from bouts of mediocrity. If Littlejohn can put some pressure on him, maybe get in his skull, this will be the swing match.

3. Farmer (WC) vs. Deguchi (UCSC)

I’ve always been pretty high on Farmer, and he seems to be capitalizing on his immense physical talent this season. Whittier

4. Shimizu (WC) vs. Richter (UCSC)

I’ve always thought of Shimizu as more of a #6 kinda guy, and Richter is on a roll. I’ll go with UCSC here.

5. Chavez (WC) vs. Goetz (UCSC)

I know next to nothing about Chavez, but Goetz hasn’t been playing great so far. Potential swing match here, but I’m going with Whittier.

6. Kenney (WC) vs. Soper (UCSC)

Soper has been unstoppable so far at #6, so I’m going with UCSC.

For those keeping track at home, my count would bring it to 4-4 with the swing match coming at #2 singles. Normally, I would go with Whittier, but I think UCSC has one of the most pronounced home court advantages in the country, and I’m not willing to give up on them being a good team this year quite yet. Plus, I would like to see them add a little spice to SPRING BREAK WALLA WALLA. Picking with my heart rather than my head, I’m going with UCSC because I’m living the Slug Lyfe, 5-4.

2 thoughts on “Whittier vs. UCSC: A Preview

  1. #SlugLyfe

    Dat 10/10…

    1. #SlugLyfe

      9/9*….i’m not very bright

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