No. 12 UCSB was defeated in a swift, 70 minute match by No. 2 UC Irvine on Wednesday night, dropping their third straight match. The Gauchos’ last match of the season at Rob Gym was a disappointing one, as the Anteaters won all three sets decisively, with game scores of 25-13, 25-15, 25-23.
UCSB’s record dropped to 5-12 overall with a 3-10 conference record. UC Irvine improved to 15-3 with an 11-3 MPSF marker, and are now riding a six match winning streak.
For the Gauchos, Dylan Davis was the only player to enter all three games, as the entire lineup had trouble slowing down the UCI attack. For the match, UC Irvine hit .465. The Anteaters also recorded five service aces- Carson Clark had three to lead all players and Jeremy Dejno had a pair as well.
Since 13 different Gauchos saw playing time and few of those 13 stayed in the match very long, few scoring lines stood out.
Freshman outside hitter Matt Marsh recorded seven kills for the third time this season to lead UCSB. It was the first time Marsh has led the Gauchos in kills in his career. Junior middle blocker Dylan Davis picked up five kills on just nine swings for a .556 hitting percentage.
UC Irvine was led by Kevin Tillie, who led all players with 11 kills. Scott Kevorken wasn’t far behind with his 10 kills.
UCSB’s homestand resumes this Friday night, as they host UC San Diego at the Thunderdome
