Thursday’s final of the Channel League Singles Championship had a familiar look to it with Santa Barbara High’s Chase Melton and Dos Pueblos’ Sasha Gryaznov meeting at Cathedral Oaks Athletic Club for the second straight year.
It also had a familiar outcome as Melton won his second straight title in a 6-4, 7-5 decision.
A few minutes later, one court over, Chris Williams and Jim Vaughan claimed a Channel League doubles title after outlasting Dons teammates Dan Diaz and Matt Baum 6-1, 4-6, 6-1.
Santa Barbara's Chase Melton
Dos Pueblos' Sasha Gryaznov
The Dons were already assured the doubles title after both its semifinalist teams won their earlier matches. Williams/Vaughan defeated Ventura’s Michael Lowe and Jacob Rucker while Diaz and Baum brought down the Dos Pueblos duo of Austin Cano and Christian Edstrom.
The all-Dons doubles final was also a familiar site, occurring for the second straight year.
“It happens kind of a lot in Channel League but it’s always a hard match and you always have to play your best,” Vaughan said of the matchup against teammates.
The senior duo may not have been playing its best when it went down two breaks in the second set, but picked it up late in the set and played much better in the third set to clinch the title.
Diaz and Baum hung on for a 6-4 win in the second set after taking a 5-2 lead, as Williams/Vaughan started playing more aggressively and it showed as they quickly grabbed a 3-0 lead in the deciding set. It was 4-1 at the next change of sides, which turned out to be the final one.
Santa Barbara's Chris Williams
Santa Barbara's Jim Vaughan
Santa Barbara's Dan Diaz
Santa Barbara's Matt Baum
In singles, Gryaznov was never able to get a leg up on Melton, who broke Gryaznov’s serve in the second set’s third game to take control of the match. Gryaznov was able to break back and draw even at three-all but Melton answered with another break of his own.
Gryaznov refused to cave, however, pulling even again at 5-5 before Melton answered again with another break. Melton did not miss a second chance to close out the match and won 7-5.
“When he’s serving, I’m always trying to make him work really hard to hold serve,” explained Melton.
All of Thursday’s finalists qualify for CIF Individuals, which begin with Regionals in two weeks.
THURSDAY’S RESULTS
Singles Championship
Chase Melton, SB, def. Sasha Gryaznov, DP, 6-4, 7-5
Doubles Championship
Chris Williams/Jim Vaughan, SB, def. Dan Diaz/Matt Baum, SB, 6-1, 4-6, 6-1
Doubles Semifinals
Williams/Vaughan def. Michael Lowe/Jacob Rucker, Ven, 6-0, 6-4
Diaz/Baum def. Austin Cano/Christian Edstrom, DP, 6-2, 6-4
Correction: Semi finals: Diaz and Baum defeated Ventura. Vaughan and Williams defeated DP.
Correction: Semi finals: Diaz and Baum defeated Ventura. Vaughan and Williams defeated DP.