Giants Split Conference Matches Against Modesto and Porterville 

VISALIA, Calif. – The College of the Sequoias men's tennis team faced a challenging two-match stretch, falling to Modesto Junior College 9-0 on February 27 before bouncing back with a 7-1 victory over Porterville College on February 28. The Giants displayed strong effort and resilience throughout both matches, highlighted by key doubles performances and competitive singles play. 

Modesto Edges Giants in Competitive Doubles Play 

The Giants battled hard in doubles action against Modesto but fell just short in close matches. The No. 2 pairing of Kenneth Catalan (Lemoore HS) and Conner Travis (Lemoore HS) played a competitive match but ultimately dropped an 8-5 decision. At No. 3, Ayden Richmond (Mission Oak HS) and Tomas Mendez (Mt. Whitney HS) also fought until the end, falling 8-6 in another tightly contested match. 

Modesto controlled singles play, securing all six matchups in straight sets. Despite the loss, the Giants competed with great energy and competed throughout the matches. 

Giants Bounce Back with 7-1 Victory Over Porterville 

The Giants responded with a strong performance against Porterville, winning two of three doubles matches. Catalan and Travis secured an 8-3 win at No. 2 doubles, while Richmond and Donovan Castillo (Redwood HS) dominated at No. 3, earning an 8-0 sweep. 

The Giants took control in singles, winning five of six matches. Masen Davis (Hanford West HS) delivered a clutch performance at No. 1, winning a hard-fought three-set battle 6-3, 3-6, 7-5. Ethan Jones-Griffith (El Diamante HS) secured a straight-set victory at No. 3, while Tomas Mendez, Kenneth Catalan, and Auden Richmond all posted convincing wins to close out the match. 

From the Baseline 

Head coach Martin Herrera praised the team's effort, stating, "I was pleased with how our men played with great energy in both doubles and singles. Our players showed great support for one another, especially during three crucial super tiebreakers. The coaching staff was proud of how they used implpemented the strategies we been practicing to put themselves in positions to win points." 

Looking Ahead 

The Giants will aim to build on their momentum as they continue conference play on the road this week. They will first travel to Fresno City on Tuesday, March 4 at 1:00 p.m., and will also go on the road to Reedley College on Friday, March 7 at 1:00 p.m. 

Match Results 

vs. Modesto (9-0 Loss) 

Doubles Results 

• E. Ramirez/N. Dean (MJC) def. Masen Davis/Yufan He (COS) 8-1 

• J. Shaw/A. Carlin (MJC) def. Kenneth Catalan/Conner Travis (COS) 8-5 

• J. Conte/L. Poling (MJC) def. Adyn Richmond/Elijah Mendez (COS) 8-6 

Singles Results 

• E. Ramirez (MJC) def. Masen Davis (COS) 6-3, 6-3 

• R. Moore (MJC) def. Conner Travis (COS) 6-0, 6-3 

• N. Dean (MJC) def. Yufan He (COS) 6-1, 6-1 

• J. Conte (MJC) def. Elijah Mendez (COS) 6-1, 6-0 

• A. Carlin (MJC) def. Kenneth Catalan (COS) 6-2, 6-2 

• L. Poling (MJC) def. Adyn Richmond (COS) 6-1, 6-0 

vs. Porterville (7-1 Win) 

Doubles Results 

• K. Vankham/S. Campos (PC) def. Masen Davis/Elijah Mendez (COS) 8-2 

• Kenneth Catalan/Conner Travis (COS) def. M. Rubalcava/J. Orozco (PC) 8-3 

• Donavan Castillo/Adyn Richmond (COS) def. I. Gutierrez/K. Johnson (PC) 8-0 

Singles Results 

• Masen Davis (COS) def. K. Vankham (PC) 6-3, 3-6, 7-5

• Conner Travis (COS) vs. M. Rubalcava (PC) 6-1, 8-6

• Ethan Jones-Griffith (COS) def. S. Campos (PC) 7-6, 6-3

• Elijah Mendez (COS) def. J. Orozco (PC) 6-4, 6-3

• Kenneth Catalan (COS) def. C. Rojas (PC) 6-0, 6-2

• Adyn Richmond (COS) def. K. Johnson (PC) 6-3, 6-1