Hironori Koyanagi put the finishing touches on an undefeated season with a 6-2, 6-3 victory in the CCCAA State Singles Championship match Sunday afternoon in the final of The Ojai Tournament at Libbey Park. The Pirate freshman did not drop a set all season in winning VC's third ever state singles title, the first since 2005.
Koyanagi, the top seed of the draw, took control early, breaking his opponent, No. 5-seed Carentin Haener of San Diego Mesa, in the opening game of the match. Koyanagi expanded the lead to 4-2 using laser-like precision sending his opponent from sideline to sideline, picking his opportunities to attack the net. The Pirate freshman from Fukuoka, Japan took his second break to go ahead 5-2, taking the first set with the serve in the next game.
Haener had Koyanagi on the ropes early in the seocnd set, up 2-1. In the fourth game with Koyanagi serving, Haener turned back a drop shot on a long rally and held the advantage at break point. On the next serve, however, Koyanagi came back with a similar drop shot that scored a point, and Koyanagi eventually held serve. in the next game, Koyanagi was down once again before forcing deuce and breaking Haener to solidify his momentum.
Leading 4-3 in the second set, Koyanagi broke Haener for the fourth time in the match, and served for the championship. He claimed the title with a wicked backhand down the left line, raising his clinched fist in triumph.
In doubles action, Koyanagi and teammate Corey Karen, the tournament's top seeds, were upset in their semifinal match Sunday morning 6-2, 6-2 by the eventual state champions from Irvine Valley College.
Koynagi's singles title brings to an end the 2015 season for the VC men's tennis team, one that saw a return to championship form for the Pirates, and individuals, and as a team.
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| Pirate Freshman Hironori Koyanagi receives the Ojai Championship Trophy following his victory in the CCCAA State Championship match at The Ojai Tournament. | CCCAA State Champion Hironiro Koyanagi is joined by his Ventura College teammates on the victory stage at The Ojai Tournament. |