UCSB tastes victory in Big West opener

The UCSB women’s tennis team played its first home match of the season on Saturday and the home courts made all the difference in the world.

The Gauchos defeated UC Davis by a 4-3 score, improving to 1-4 overall and 1-0 in the Big West.

UCSB jumped out to a 1-0 lead by winning the doubles point. Playing No. 2, Erica Cano and Sofia Novak bested the Aggies’ Dahra Zamudio and Layla Sanders, 8-4. At No. 3, Kiersten Meehan and Jordan Dockendorf topped Lauren Curry and Ellie Edles, 8-3.

The Gauchos kept their momentum going, winning two of the first three decision in singles. Novak was the first one to close out her opponent as she swept Chui, 6-1, 6-3. After a defeat at No. 2, Lozano topped Zamudio, 6-3, 2-6, 6-2.

UCSB clinched the match when Cano came back to beat Sanders at No. 6, 3-6, 6-1, 6-1.

The Gauchos will hit the road for a pair of matches in the Bay Area next week. On Saturday, Feb. 18, they will travel to St. Mary’s for a match against the Gaels that will begin at 11:00 a.m. The following day, UCSB will play the University of San Francisco at Golden Gate Park beginning at 11:00 a.m.

UCSB 4, UCD 3

Doubles

1. Megan Heneghan/Kelly Chui (UCD) def. April Scatliffe/Natalia Lozano (UCSB) 8-3
3. Kiersten Meehan/Jordan Dockendorf (UCSB) def. Lauren Curry/Ellie Edles (UCD) 8-3
2. Erica Cano/Sofia Novak def. Dahra Zamudio/Layla Sanders (UCD) 8-4

Order of finish: (3. 2, 1)

Singles

1. Natalia Lozano (UCSB) def. Dahra Zamudio (UCD) 6-3, 2-6, 6-2
2. Megan Heneghan (UCD) def. Kiersten Meehan (UCSB) 6-1, 6-2
3. Sofia Novak (UCSB) def. Kelly Chui (UCD) 6-1, 6-3
4. Lauren Curry (UCD) def. April Scatliffe (UCSB) 6-3, 6-2
5. Nicole Koehly (UCD) Jordan Dockendorf (UCSB) 2-6, 6-3, 6-3
6. Erica Cano (UCSB) def Layla Sanders (UCD) 3-6, 6-1, 6-1

Order of finish: (3, 2, 1, 6, 5, 4)