Tennis players Ishida and Kashishian named ITA All-Americans

Tennis players Ishida and Kashishian named ITA All-Americans

Irvine Valley sophomore men's tennis players Kiichi Ishida and Devon Kashishian were each recently named Intercollegiate Tennis Association All-Americans.

Ishida was selected in both singles and doubles and Kashishian was picked in doubles.

It was the second straight year that Ishida was named an All-American.

Ishida, who won the California Community College Athletic Association state doubles title in 2022 with IVC teammate Arthur Bellegy, wrapped up a special 2023 season in March in Ojai.

He finished in third place in both singles and doubles over what is one of the toughest four days of the year among all sports.

Ishida and Kashishian fought to win their quarterfinal match, defeating Ravi Nelson and Spencer Hill of American Riever, 6-7, 7-5, (10-7), before losing to eventual champs from College of the Desert Joe Corse and Eita Ishikawa, 6-4, 6-4, in the semis.

Ishida also battled through a tough quarterfinal match in singles, winning in three sets, 6-2, 2-6, 6-3, over Santino Serrlango from Ventura.

Ishida's tournament ended in singles competition to Desert's Hernan Olivas, 6-3, 6-2, in the semis.

Ishida led Irvine Valley to another Orange Empire Conference title, a trip to the So. Cal. playoffs and an overall record of 8-2 overall.

Both Ishida and Kashishian were each also selected all-OEC players.