The UCSB men’s tennis team opens its season against No. 21 Pepperdine on Saturday, beginning at 1 p.m. at North Ranch Country Club in Westlake Village.
The Gauchos are ranked No. 61 in the nation heading into their spring competition season as the first ITA National Rankings of the year were released on January 4th.
UCSB’s solid ranking can be attributed to last season’s success as well as excellent results in fall tournament play. The team will be tested early and often this season, with a schedule consisting of fourteen ranked opponents, including five-straight ranked foes coming out of the gate.
With the large number of nationally ranked teams on the slate the Gauchos will have ample opportunity to improve on their initial ranking if they perform well.
“Staying positive is the key,” said head coach Marty Davis. “My biggest concern is that we get demoralized. Our schedule is so strong that we risk losing confidence.”
After Pepperdine, UCSB will meet UCLA on Tuesday in Los Angeles.
Sounds like an exciting season!