INDIAN WELLS, Calif. – The UC Santa Barbara Golf team competed in the Wyoming Match Play hosted by the University of Wyoming. This was the Gauchos only match play tournament of the season as they finished in seventh, beating Utah State in the final round of the tournament.
 
"The boys played some close matches yesterday and we had a chance to beat two really good teams, but a few mistakes kept us just out of reach," said Head Coach Chris Massoletti. "They came out this morning ready and played great to get the win. I am really proud of how Killian, Nick and Will performed in match play. It's such a unique experience and fun format for them all."
 
The Gauchos came into the tournament as the No. 8 seed, taking on the No. 1 Cal State Fullerton Titans in the first round. UC Santa Barbara made some great plays throughout the round, but by the end, the Titans proved to be the better team as the Gauchos lost 3-2-1. Killian McGinley had the best outing in that match as he won 5&3 over his competitor. Nick Waldock also had a great showing as his match came down to the very last hole as he won 1 up. Blake McGovern ended his first round on a high note as he came back to tie his opponent after going down by three early on.
 
Once that round wrapped up, the Gauchos moved on to face the No. 4 Wyoming Cowboys. This match came down to the final hole for two Gauchos, but it was Wyoming who came out on top with a score of 3-2-1. Again, McGinley had a great round as he won his match 2&1. Also coming out of this round with the win was Will Hoff, who went 2&1 against his opponent. Waldock helped out the Gauchos as well as he tied his competitor.
 
With their performances during the first two rounds, the Gauchos were playing for seventh place against Utah State during the final round of competition. UC Santa Barbara had a great match against the Aggies as they came out with the 3-2-1 win. McGinley could not be stopped yet again as he went 3-0 during this tournament, taking down his opponent 3&2. Along with McGinley, Waldock and Hoff took care of business as Waldock went 6&5 while Hoff went 6&4. Brian Arnold also had his best finish of the tournament as he tied his opponent.
 
Colorado ended up winning the tournament, defeating the Titans in the final round of competition. 
 
UC Santa Barbara will take the next two weeks off to prepare before heading to Boulder City, Nevada for the Jackrabbit Invitational hosted by South Dakota State University. This tournament will take place at the Boulder Creek Golf Club from March 8 through March 9.