LOS ANGELES — Fifth-ranked UCSB (2-0) opened the 2012 season in victorious fashion with a pair of wins over No. 19 Cal Baptist (0-2) and Claremont Mudd Scripps (0-2) in day one of the UCLA Invitational. The Gauchos compiled a perfect finish on the day after posting a 13-6 win over No. 19 Cal Baptist and a dominating 19-2 victory over Claremont Mudd Scripps in non-conference play at Spieker Aquatics Center.
UCSB showed its strength in numbers as five different Gauchos scored a goal in the first half of their opening game.
The Gaucho defense held the Lancers to two goals through the first two periods, entering halftime ahead 5-2 with Cal Baptist in close pursuit. Lancers’ senior Scott Gleason threatened the UCSB defense, leading the scoring with two goals, while four other players scored one each.
The Gauchos quickly responded scoring eight more goals in the second half, outscoring the Lancers 8-4. UCSB posted a 13-6 win, led offensively by junior attacker Matt Gronow with three goals.
During the second game of the day, the Gauchos immediately jumped ahead 7-0 over Claremont Mudd Scripps in the first period. The defense held the Stags scoreless through halftime while widening their own lead to 10-0.
Remaining dominate, UCSB went on to outscore CMS 4-1 and 5-1, respectively in the final two quarters. Evan Dellinger, Matt Gronow, Jake Miller, and Teddy Zhang led the scoring with three goals each.
After Gauchos’ explosive offense and stellar defense, UCSB earned yet another victory with a score of 19-2 – advancing them to a 2-0 record on the season.
UCSB will be back in action Sunday, September 2 at Spieker Aquatics Center as they take on host No. 2 UCLA in an exhibition game beginning at 8 a.m. in day two of the UCLA Invitational. Following the Bruins, the Gauchos will conclude the weekend with two more exhibitions against No. 8 Pepperdine and No. 1 USC.
