I’m going to devote more attention to the big SCIAC matches this weekend, but since I have a few moments right now, I thought I’d write a separate little ditty for a big West region matchup that has huge upset potential. People have sort of forgotten about the Slugs since they left SBWW, and that’s a mistake. Even though they finished with a whimper, they showed their full capacity in pushing Trinity to the brink, and I think most people in the community aren’t giving them much of a chance in this one. You’ll see when I get to the match-by-match, but I think the Slugs might actually be a matchup nightmare for the Bulldogs.
Doubles
The Dawgs have been having a bit of a rough go in doubles so far this season. The only teams they’ve managed to go up on are Tyler and CMU (but let’s be real, who hasn’t taken a doubles lead on the Tartans). The most common motif has been losses at #1 and #2 and a win at #3, but they’ve really been all over the place. Cruz is another team that hasn’t really been consistent, but I would say their stronger positions are, conveniently, #1 and #2. Against the Dawgs, I see the Slugs losing at #3 but potentially taking a lead in doubles with wins at #1 and #2. Look for #1 dubs to be a big swing match, as Cummins and Jones look to get some MOJO back.
Singles
Here’s another area where Cruz’ lineup might be just right for the matchup. The Dawgs have been absolutely killing it at #1 and #2, but they’ve had a hard time getting points everywhere else. Among the rest of their lineup, their best bets have been Leahy (at #6) and Suchodolski (at #3), but both are far from sure things. Meanwhile, Cruz’ strongest singles positions are #2 and #6, with Richter at #4 being a close 3rd. What might kill them here is Goetz/Hollister at #5, the monster with two-heads and no brain. Anyways, here’s the rundown.
1. Lipscomb over Scandalis
2. SWING MATCH
3. Suchodolski over Deguchi
4. Richter over Burchett
5. Jones over whoever
6. Soper over Leahy
If Cruz does manage to take those two doubles points, that would leave the match dependent on Littlejohn and Cummins at #2. Both guys are relatively hot, but this time I’m going to go with Cummins on his home courts to give Redlands a 5-4 victory. (5-4 again!? Yes, 5-4 again). The complexion of the entire match changes completely if Lipscomb doesn’t play. If he’s hurt, I think that flips the result at #2 singles and ensures two doubles points for the Slugs, as they get a 5-4 upset just to keep things interesting in the West region. It’s gotten a little predictable, and I think it’s about time we shake things up a little bit.