Following a season filled with challenges and growth, the Cal Poly men’s tennis team enters the Big West Championships as the No. 5 seed, aiming to make waves against top-tier opponents. With an 8-14 overall record and 2-4 in conference play, the Mustangs are poised to face familiar foes in their quest to extend the season. Their journey begins against UC San Diego, a rematch from earlier this year, followed by a potential showdown with powerhouse UC Santa Barbara. Adjustments in doubles pairings and a resilient mindset have prepared the team for what lies ahead.
As the tournament approaches, the Mustangs find themselves reinvigorated after strategic changes made since their last meeting with UC San Diego. In March, the Tritons triumphed 4-0 over Cal Poly, though the match was more competitive than the score suggests. Juniors Aaron Eliscu and Sean Kamyshev led their respective singles matches before the Tritons secured victory. Doubles play has seen significant improvement, particularly with senior Bastiaan Weststrate partnering sophomore Raz Haviv at the top line. This duo quickly established success, while Kamyshev and freshman Jack Cross also excelled, posting a strong 5-2 record together.
Beyond individual performances, teamwork and preparation have been pivotal. Coach Nick Carless emphasizes the mental toughness of his players, noting that despite ups and downs, they bring consistent energy to every match. The adjustments in doubles strategies, including pairing Eliscu and sophomore Wian Roothman at the third line, reflect the team's adaptability and focus on improvement.
A win against UC San Diego could set up an intriguing rivalry clash with UC Santa Barbara, ranked No. 34 nationally. Historically, these encounters carry added significance due to the longstanding Blue-Green Rivalry. While UC Santa Barbara dominated their recent matchup, the Mustangs have demonstrated the ability to compete against ranked teams, such as in their narrow loss to Boise State. This experience bolsters confidence heading into the championship.
Beginning Friday, April 25, at noon, the Mustangs will vie for advancement at the Barnes Tennis Center in San Diego. Energized by improvements and driven by determination, the team aims to defy expectations and extend their season. Regardless of outcomes, their journey highlights resilience and growth, promising exciting prospects for the future.