VENTURA, Calif. – Vaquero sophomore Mauritz Seitz claimed the Western State Conference individual championship and finished as runner-up in doubles with partner Ada Guler during the April 1–4 three-day championship event.
Santa Barbara City College had six players qualify for the 3C2A State Championships in Ojai, set for April 24–27. In addition to Seitz and Guler, Loris Alem, Anton Dahlen, Schuyler Benes, and Jakob Koeniger also earned bids.
Singles
The singles final featured a clash between the WSC Co-MVPs, with Seitz taking on Rafael Matias of Ventura College. The two rivals had split their four previous matchups, each decided in a third-set tiebreaker.
"[They] are both tremendous athletes and disciplined at decision-making," said SBCC head coach Danny Echt. "What struck me as the difference maker in the final was how Mauritz's serve confidence trickled down into his first-strike capabilities. He used very wise serve variety, and he was moving the ball so well on his second serve that at big moments he even hit a few aces."
Seitz acknowledged the weight of the moment but stayed composed.
"This was my second time playing in the WSC tournament, but this year I was the No. 1 seed. It made the tournament feel extra special, but I felt the weight of that title," he said. "I really wanted to prove that I deserved it and I really fought hard in my matches, but the support from my coach and my teammates really helped me to stay focused and give my best effort."
Seitz claimed the WSC singles title with a 6-2, 6-3 win and remained humble in victory.
"Both of these competitors displayed outstanding sportsmanship," said Echt. "Their combined matches over the years have not only been very special but have raised the quality of play on their respective teams."
Doubles
Santa Barbara's No. 1 team of Guler and Seitz advanced to the final after dominant early-round performances. There, they met Glendale's top pair of Adam Ridaoui and David Tinajero.
"Mauritz and Ada got off to a great start with the high energy Ada brings and solid decision-making in their shot selection," Echt said. "In particular, they were returning well and getting into the court so the returner's net man could activate and pressure the opponents."
The Vaqueros came up just short in a third-set tiebreaker, falling 6-4, 3-6, 6-10, but still earned WSC Doubles Finalist honors.
"Ada and I haven't played too many matches together this year, but we are very good friends, and I think that chemistry really helped our performance," said Seitz. "We communicate really well, and we understand each other's game so well that sometimes it feels like we are telepathic. I was very proud of Ada's performance. He didn't play at the No. 1 spot during the season, and he really stepped up and played at his best. He's a big reason why we got to the finals. I'm very excited to play in Ojai with him. I think we have a very good shot at winning."
Santa Barbara will travel to Irvine Valley College on Tuesday for the first round of the Southern California Regional Playoffs.
