Roadrunners Wrap Up Season with Gritty Run at State Championships in Ojai

COD Men's Tennis team closed out its 2025 season under the sun-soaked skies of Ojai, competing in the prestigious 3C2A State Championships. Sophomore Travis Pimentel (Indio Shadow Hills) and freshman standout Chandra Ishikawa (Kawagoe, Japan) represented the Roadrunners in both singles and doubles, battling through a tough field of elite talent.

Singles Action: A Strong Start for Pimentel

In the Round of 128, Pimentel came out firing, dispatching Reedley's Alberto Villareal in dominant fashion, 6-1, 6-0. His aggressive play and consistent groundstrokes gave him complete control of the match, setting the tone for what looked like a promising tournament run.

Ishikawa, who received a first-round bye, was fresh for his Round of 64 showdown against Glendale's Ian Nicodemus. Despite flashes of brilliance, Ishikawa ultimately fell 6-2, 6-0, but his international poise and baseline tenacity hint at a bright future ahead.

Later that morning, Pimentel faced a formidable challenge against Irvine Valley's Luis Moros. The Roadrunner veteran fought hard but couldn't overcome Moros' relentless pace, dropping the match 6-0, 6-0.

Doubles Duo Shows Promise

Teaming up in doubles, Pimentel and Ishikawa squared off against Folsom Lake's seasoned duo, Caleb Ion and Spencer Hamilton, in the Round of 64. The Roadrunners showed chemistry and grit but ultimately fell 6-1, 6-3 in a competitive match marked by long rallies and sharp net exchanges.

Looking Ahead

While COD's journey at the State Championships ended in the early rounds, the tournament offered invaluable experience against top-tier competition. For Pimentel, it was a chance to cap off his collegiate career with determination and class. For Ishikawa, it was a bold introduction to the California college tennis scene—one that promises even greater things in the seasons to come.

Head Coach Bruno Jaeger praised the duo for their resilience. "These guys left it all on the court. They represented COD with heart and character, and that's what matters most."

With fresh talent rising and a culture of grit and growth, the Roadrunners are already gearing up for a strong 2026 season.

Singles:

Round of 128:
Chandra Ishikawa (COD) BYE
Travis Pimentel (COD) def. Alberto Villareal (REED) 6-1, 6-0 (4/24 @ 8a @ Ventura College)

Round of 64:
Luis Moros (IRV) def. Travis Pimentel (COD) 6-0, 6-0 (4/24 @ 11a @ VC)
Ian Nicodemus (GLEN) def. Chandra Ishikawa (COD) 6-2, 6-0 (4/24 @ 11a @ VC)

Doubles:

Round of 64: (4/24 @ 4:30p @ Buena H.S.)
Caleb Ion / Spencer Hamilton (FLC) def. Chandra Ishikawa / Travis Pimentel (COD) 6-1, 6-3

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