The Gauchos bounced back from a tough loss against Santa Clara on Friday, sweeping Northern Arizona 5-0 at the Roberston Gymnasium courts Sunday.
Both teams had to wait out a three-hour rain delay and as a result doubles was not played. Five of the six singles matches were completed before the rain stopped play for good.
The Gauchos swept all five matches and Sofia Novak was up 6-5 in the third set tiebreaker of what could have been win number six when the match was halted. The Gauchos now hold a 1-1 record on the season after splitting this weekend’s matches.
“It was a match that we desperately needed to play after Friday’s meltdown,” said head coach Peter Kirkwood. “We played with energy and purpose and believe me we played every point to the end. One thing we learned on Friday is that no lead is safe.”
Jordan Dockendorf set the pace for the Gauchos by crushing Malia Wahinepio 6-1, 6-3 at the No. 4 singles spot. Natalia Lozano played incredible tennis after being down 1-4 in the first set, registering a 6-4, 6-1 win over Edit Suhajda at No. 1.
Kiersten Meehan got her first colligate win with a very impressive 6-3, 6-0 victory over Aimee Oki. Erica Cano also came up big in her debut defeating Nicole Perez 6-2, 6-3.
The Gauchos will be back in action Saturday, Feb. 5 with a doubleheader. First up will be Cal State Stanislaus at 9:00 a.m. followed by Cal State Bakersfield at 2:00 p.m. Both matches will be played at the Robertson Gymnasium courts.
UCSB 5 NORTHERN ARIZONA 0
Singles
#1 Natalia Lozano UCSB def. Edit Suhajuda NAU 6-4,6-1
#2 Jill Damion UCSB def. Orsi Golovics NAU 7-5,2-6,7-6 (3)
#3 Sofia Novak vs. Yumi Hasaguera NAU DNF Novak lead. 6-3,6-7 (6-5)
#4 Jordan Dockendorf UCSB def. Malia Wahinepio NAU 6-1,6-3
#5 Kiersten Meehan UCSB def. Aimee Oki NAU 6-3,6-0
#6 Erica Cano UCSB def. Nicole Perez NAU 6-2,6-3
