The UCSB women’s tennis team looks to host its home opener this Sunday against San Francisco. The Gauchos, who lost their season opener to UCLA 0-7 Tuesday, have goals to bounce back and get their first win on the season.

The Gauchos enter the match at 0-1, while San Francisco comes to Santa Barbara at 2-0.

San Francisco is coming off of two strong wins and an undefeated season thus far, beating UC Santa Cruz in their season debut 7-0 Jan. 15 and outlasting Sacramento State in a shootout 4-3 Jan. 18.

In San Francisco’s last match, number one singles starter freshman Thyra Taune, who is No. 116 in the country for individual starters, defeated sophomore Jennifer Nguyen 6-4, 4-6, 1-0 (10-4). San Francisco also saw victories at the number two, three and four singles spots. Despite San Francisco’s early success, UCSB looks to hand their opponent its first loss and feels qualified to do so.

“We are very prepared for this home opener,” junior April Scatliffe said. “Everyone on our team is thrilled that the season is finally here because of all the hard work we have put in all fall.”

Scatliffe is starting as the number one singles player for the Gauchos and will take on No.116 ranked Taune this Sunday. The Gauchos lost to San Francisco last season 2-5, but have strong additions to the team that they hope will lead to a different outcome on Sunday.

“Our freshmen Jaimee Gilbertson and Melissa Baker, and our transfer student Luisa Ortiz [Luis Oritz Candido] have been great contributors so far. They add power to our team which will be very effective this season, especially in doubles. Our third freshman Kai [Kaiulani] Boyer is just getting back from an injury and we are really looking forward to her to add her skill and competitiveness,” said Scatliffe.

UCSB will face San Francisco on its home turf this Sunday. The match is set to begin at 11 a.m.

A version of this article appeared on page 7 of January 23rd’s print edition of the Daily Nexus.