UC Santa Barbara Team Page
SANTA BARBARA, Calif.- The Gaucho Women come out strong today bringing home a 4-3 win from Colorado, a Pac 12 Team.
This afternoon the Gauchos stepped out onto the court ready to play their best tennis, in what was sure to be a tight match against Colorado University. Last weekend, the women suffered their first conference loss against Long Beach State, and were determined to turn things around this afternoon and get another win under their belts.
"I am really proud of our singles play today. We showed great character and defeated a good Pac 12 team." Coach Thibodeau comments on the singles performance.
Colorado came out strong in doubles, and after the first two matches we were split 1-1, bringing things down to the number one doubles team to determine the crucial doubles point. Unfortunately April Scatliffe and Prisclia Garcia fell to Juliette Steur and Erin Sanders in a tight 8-6 match.
The women knew that they had to perform well in singles today, and with a mix in the lineup the Gauchos needed to come prepared.
"I am very confident in the depth of our lineup. Every spot from number one to six is equally important and I feel that with our team in particular, it doesn't matter so much as to who is playing at which spot. We can all hold our own which is a great feeling." Number one player April Scatliffe comments on her team.
Starting singles down 0-1 the Gauchos were ready to come out strong in singles, even with their number three player, Paola Cos unable to play.
"Everyone below Paola had to move up a spot and they did a phenomenal job" Scatliffe says of her fellow teammates.
Erica Cano, slotted at number five singles, blew past her opponent 6-2, 6-0 evening out the score for the day.
New to the Gaucho line-up is Karolina Kecki, who made her first appearance on the court this afternoon. Kecki brought home the second win of the day, with a 6-4, 6-3 win at number six.
The remaining matches were all tight battles, each girl leaving everything she had on the court. "I played well today and pulled off a tough three set match which is great for confidence going into our next two matches" Scatliffe says.
After a loss at number three singles, player Kiersten Meehan was unable to finish out her three set match and had to retire, leaving the score tied 3-3.
Stacy Yam was able to clench the victory of the day with a 2-6, 6-4, 6-3 win over her Colorado opponent. "In the first set I just wasn't playing my game and was being a little too impatient. I finally snapped out of it; started going for less winners and started to win. I just needed to get myself together mentally and in the of the first set I did that" Yam reflects on her singles play.
"Tomorrow we have LMU, which will be extremely competitive. They are currently a very confident team just like we are so it will be a battle for sure all around. We are excited!" Scatliffe says of the upcoming match.
With a winning record of 4-2, the Gauchos are set to play Loyola Marymount tomorrow, February 16th, at 1:30pm at UCSB's Roberston Gym courts.
SINGLES:
1. April Scatliffe (UCSB) def. STEUR, Juliette (CO) 6-2, 1-6, 6-2
2. JANSSENS, Winde (CO) def. Kiersten Meehan (UCSB) 6-3, 2-6, 4-1 (ret.)
3. QUEVADO, Dhany (CO) def. Priscila Garcia (UCSB) 6-2, 7-6 (5)
4. Stacy Yam (UCSB) def. SANDERS, Erin (CO) 2-6, 6-4, 6-3
5. Erica Cano (UCSB) def. MANZI, Carla (CO) 6-2, 6-0
6. Karolina Kecki (UCSB) def. TIFEL, Ashley (CO) 6-4, 6-3
DOUBLES:
1. STEUR, Juliette/ SANDERS, Erin (CO) def. April Scatliffe/Priscila Garcia (UCSB) 8-6
2. MANZI, Carla/ JANSSENS, Winde (CO) def. Stacy Yam/ Karolina Kecki (UCSB) 8-0
3. Kiersten Meehan/ Erica Cano (UCSB) def. TIFEL, Ashley/ QUEVADO, Dhany (CO) 8-2
Match Notes:
UC Santa Barbara 4-2
