2024-25 Diablo Valley College Men’s Tennis Season Preview

Coming off a promising 2023-24 season, where the Vikings finished with an overall record of 6-5 (.545) and a conference record of 5-3 (.625), the Diablo Valley College men’s tennis team is looking to build on its competitive foundation. The team showed resilience last season, earning key wins against teams like Shasta, Solano, and Folsom Lake, while also demonstrating areas for growth in high-stakes matches against top conference opponents like American River and Modesto.

While the team demonstrated depth and potential, losses against top-ranked opponents like American River and Modesto exposed gaps in match-day execution, especially in doubles play. Maintaining consistency and refining strategies in doubles will be key for the Vikings this season. With new talent joining the roster and experienced players returning, the Vikings are set to kick off their campaign at the West Valley Doubles Tournament on January 24. The team will then face challenging opponents like Chabot, Foothill, and conference rivals such as Modesto and Solano.

• Returning Players:
  • Ethan Husainali (So.) and Jeff Jaymot (So.) bring valuable experience and leadership to the lineup.
• New Additions:
  • Freshmen James Tianyou Chen and Lance Topacio will look to make an immediate impact in singles and doubles.

Key Matches to Watch

• Feb 21 vs. Folsom Lake: A rematch of last season’s 6-3 victory will test the team’s ability to replicate success against a tough opponent.
• Feb 25 at Modesto: The Vikings will aim to improve upon their performance against Modesto, who handed them two decisive losses last year.
• Mar 14 – Big 8 Conference Team Round 1: This match will be a pivotal moment for the Vikings to establish themselves as top contenders in the conference playoffs.

Head Coach Jackie Ponciano-Babb returns for another season, supported by Assistant Coach Ruthie Ignacio, to guide the team through a competitive schedule. Their focus on player development and team cohesion will be crucial for the Vikings’ success this year. The team’s primary objective is to improve their conference standings and compete for a deeper run in the postseason. With a balanced mix of seasoned players and fresh talent, the Vikings have the potential to establish themselves as a dominant force in the Big 8 Conference.

The 2024-25 season promises exciting matchups and opportunities for growth as the Vikings aim to capitalize on last year’s lessons and build a winning tradition. Keep an eye on this team as they strive for success on the court!