Battle for the West
Photo by Mōhai Peloso
Pacific Tennis Rolls as ITA Regionals Bring the West’s Best to Stockton
Last weekend’s beautiful weather was enjoyed by no one more than those in attendance at Pacific’s Eve Zimmerman Tennis Center, as the Pacific men’s tennis team took on the region’s best at ITA Regionals. Singles and doubles for the 55th-ranked Tigers would be looking to secure an extremely coveted spot at nationals against fierce competition, but they would have the home-court advantage in their favor.
Coming into the competition, redshirt senior Terence Das commented on the team’s goals at regionals, “Our main goal is to continue building chemistry and support for one another, both on and off the court. We know that when we’re united and pushing each other, we perform at our best as a team.”
As the sun rose on day one of 2025 Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Regionals, the Tigers looked to play to their strengths and play not only for themselves, but for the university, the city, and each other. Pacific’s first win of the day and of the competition came early in the morning thanks to the finesse of sophomore Niv Zuckerman, who defeated his opponent in straight sets, 6-3 and 6-1. However, Zuckerman’s run would be cut short just two hours later in his round-of-32 matchup, where he was unable to find an answer to the Saint Mary’s competitor, falling in two sets of 6-3 each.
The following day represented a new hope for the Tigers, who would begin doubles competition, once again ready to leave everything on the court for their teammates.
“Personally, I want to contribute in any way I can to help the team succeed–whether that’s by winning key matches, keeping the energy up, or supporting teammates during tough moments,” Das, who clinched the first win of the day alongside sophomore Jonty Giesen, said about his role in the team’s matchday success. “My focus is on doing what’s best for the team.”
Against the double from Saint Mary’s, Das and Giesen maintained control, taking the victory comfortably with a single-set scoreline of 8-4. Pacific would continue their winning ways throughout the day, as Nico Rating and Christof Schaertlin Coffey both took straight-set victories in open singles play just hours later.
The following day saw a round-of-16 doubles clash between Das and Giesen, fresh off their victory, and a Santa Clara duo. Fatigue would eventually catch up to the Tigers, however, as they fought to move on, but came up short. In open singles play, Schaertlin Coffey and Rating were also unable to convert, with Rating falling in a three-set heartbreaker to the Portland competitor, losing the final set just 6-4.
Although the Northwest Regional marked the final serves of the 2025 Fall season, the Tigers will be back hungry for redemption in the spring, as they look to make a deep run into the WCC tournament and into the post-season. “Moving forward, we want to keep pushing each other competitively and keep raising our overall level together.”