Pirates wrap up unbeaten OEC play with win over Tigers

COSTA MESA -- The Orange Coast College women's tennis team pushed through all of the obstacles that 2021 presented and rolled through the field en route to an undefeated Orange Empire Conference championship..

On Tuesday, the Pirates made it a perfect 10-0 in the OEC with a 7-2 win against visiting Riverside City College.

There was little trouble for the Pirates in singles play as OCC picked up straight-set wins from Shayee Sherif (6-2, 6-0), Nicole Knickerbocker (6-0, 6-0), Madeleine Veltri (6-1, 6-0) and Faith Moreno (6-2, 6-0). At No. 3 singles, Jade Moreno needed some extra work before winning her match, 6-3, 3-6, (10-7). 

In doubles play, the teams of Knickerbocker/Veltri (8-3) and Sherif/J. Moreno (8-1) took care of business to wrap up conference play on a perfect note. (Riverside's two wins came by way of default). 

On Thursday, Coast hosted Mt. San Antonio in a nonconference match and made quick work of the Mounties with a 9-0 win. 

Knickerbocker (6-0, 6-1), Sherif (6-0, 6-0), J. Moreno (6-3, 3-0, retired), Veltri (6-1, 6-0), F. Moreno (6-2, 6-3) and Jocelynn Timmer (7-6, 6-3) swept through singles play and in doubles action, OCC wins were turned in by Knickerbocker/Veltri (8-2), Sherif/J. Moreno (8-2) and F. Moreno/Timmer (8-0). 

It is the fifth straight OEC title under the guidance of head coach Chris Ketcham and it was a performance that didn't come as smooth as it looked. 

"I have to give a lot of credit to these women as they have continued to work hard and perform so well through such a challenging season," Ketcham said. "They have persevered and worked through the many difficulties this season has presented and have been able to compete and play such a high level of tennis. We have been very fortunate to have such a talented and athletic group of women who are great to work with and coach."

The Pirates will wrap up their 2021 season at Mt. SAC on Tuesday, beginning at 2 p.m.