The #64-ranked men’s tennis team is traveling to Seattle for matches against Washington and Portland this week. The Gauchos moved down one notch in this week’s rankings after falling to #45 Arizona State and #38 Arizona last weekend.

The Huskies are 5-1 after losing to Mississippi, who currently maintains a firm hold of the #7 ranking. Three UW freshmen have a joint record of 14-0 in dual-match play. Portland has a 2-1 overall record after losing to Idaho 4-3 last weekend. Portland is led by #2 singles player James Redpath, who currently holds an undefeated 3-0 record this season.

UCSB lost both matches in Arizona last weekend, falling first to #45 Arizona State, 5-2. Freshman Elad Stern and Nicholas Edlefsen were the only two players who picked up wins for the team. Stern defeated Ryan McBride 3-6, 7-6, 6-0 to remain undefeated in dual-match play during this season. UCSB’s #6 player Edlefesen defeated Arizona’s Nick Hegarty 3-6, 7-6, 6-2. UCSB’s Matthew Coin played a spine-tingling match against Jonathan Kinsella but eventually lost in a three-set match 4-6, 6-1, 6-4.

The University of Arizona defeated the Gauchos 5-2 the following day in a hard-hitting battle. Mike Placek and Coin both won their singles matches, beating the Wildcats’ #4 and #6 team members.

UCSB is eager to face off against #10 Washington on Saturday at 1 p.m. Santa Barbara moves on to compete against Portland on Sunday at 10 a.m. Both of these matches will be taking place in Seattle at UW’s Lloyd Nordstrom Tennis Center.

UCSB is headed by #98 nationally ranked Alex Anselme, UCSB’s #1 singles and doubles player, who will competitively pilot the Gauchos into their next match.

The Gauchos return home next week as they prepare for two challenging face-offs against Oregon on Feb. 20 and Oklahoma State on Feb. 22.

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