The competition for Bakersfield College’s men’s tennis team has not seen the last of Matt Greer.
Greer qualified at Southern California Regionals May 3-5 in San Diego to play doubles at state May 10-12, and he also qualified last year to play doubles at state.
This is the first time that a BC men’s tennis player qualified twice in a row for state doubles, said BC men’s tennis Coach Rob Slaybaugh. Greer’s doubles partner is Marc Johns, who is seeded 14th in singles. Last year Greer’s partner was Brian Branch, who seeded No. 4 in doubles.
At Southern Cal, Greer and Johns, the only team members to qualify for this tournament, played Grossmont College’s doubles Erickson and Howarth with a score of 6-2 and 6-3.
In the quarterfinals, Johns and Greer battled doubles partners Almeida and Azevedo and came to a tie.
Johns and Greer at a point retired, accepting a loss from Grossmont.
However, at this point, Johns and Greer had already qualified for state. The primary reason why Johns and Greer bowed out of the match was due to Johns needing medical attention for tonsillitis.
Before leaving to treat his illness, Johns played Frances Yosimoto, the No. 3 seed from College of the Deserts. In the third round, Johns lost to Yosimoto.
According to Slaybaugh, out of eight teams from the conference BC belongs to, six teams from that conference including BC qualified at So Cal for state.
According to BC’s women’s tennis coach Gene Lundquist, none of his players qualified for the state challenge, which is taking place May 10-12 at Santa Cruz.
At Soouthern Cal May 3-5 at Antelope Valley, BC’s Jennifer Kelly won the first match against Hillary Tranter of Antelope Valley during a singles play.
No. 1 player Amy Cowen lost in the second round in a singles play.