Sixth-ranked UCSB (8-4) defeated No. 12 UC Davis by way of a 7-5 score on Saturday before falling to No. 3 USC, 17-3, in the final game of the day at the UCI Invitational at Corona del Mar High School Pool.
In the first game against the Aggies, UCSB jumped out to a 3-2 lead in the first quarter and was up 5-3 at halftime. Jim Breen brought UCD within one goal at 6-5 with 3:29 to go in the third quarter, but UCSB held the Aggies scoreless in the final frame and junior Zsombor Vincze added one more Gaucho goal to propel Santa Barbara to the 7-5 win.
Sophomore Noah Smith led the team with two goals in the victory while junior Fraser Bunn had nine saves.
In the second game of the day, UCSB took on No. 3 USC. The Trojans jumped out to an 11-2 lead at halftime and never looked back. Shea Buckner led USC with four goals in the win.
UCSB will continue action at the UCI Invitational on Sunday against Long Beach State at 9:20 am at UC Irvine’s Anteater Pool.
UCSB 7, UC DAVIS 5
UCD Goals: Jim Breen 2, Matt Richardson, Luke Collins, Colin Hicks.
UCD Saves: Kevin Peat 8.
UCSB Goals: Noah Smith 2, Brian Shoemaker, Kendell Olds, Sean Castillo, Milos Golic, Zsombor Vincze.
UCSB Saves: Fraser Bunn 9.
USC 17, UCSB 3
UCSB Goals: Stefan Partelow, Noah Smith, Ryen Flint.
UCSB Saves: Fraser Bunn 4, Myles Christian 2.
USC Goals: Shea Buckner 4, Matt Sagehorn 2, Kyle Sterling 2, Jordan Thompson 2, Michael Rosenthal 2, Peter Kurzeka, Matthew Burton, Devon Borisoff, Kyle Wootten.
USC Saves: Joel Dennerley 5, Brett Giery 3, Will Simon 1.
