SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The UC Santa Barbara Men's Tennis team stays undefeated in the spring, turning in a complete performance to defeat South Florida, 5-2, on Sunday at the Arnhold Tennis Center.

The Gauchos extend their deepest thanks to everyone who came out and filled the Arnhold Tennis Center with energy for the first Super Six match of the series. That gratitude extends to our local schools and country clubs, Gaucho alumni, staff, our pep band, and everyone else whose enthusiasm helped create a true home-court atmosphere and made the day especially memorable.

THE MATCH
Final: UC Santa Barbara 5, South Florida 2
Records: UC Santa Barbara (4-0), South Florida (1-4)

HOW IT HAPPENED
Doubles play gave the Gauchos the early upper hand. On court three, Diogo Morais and Lorenzo Brunkow came out firing, cruising to a 6-1 win over Stepan Mruzek and Timeo Gaillard. Moments later, Lucca Liu and Miguel Avendano made quick work on court two, rolling past Max Mroz and Ettore Danesi, 6-2, to secure the doubles point. The top doubles match was left unfinished at 5-4 once the point was clinched.

Singles action opened with a statement at the top of the lineup, as No. 70 Liu controlled the match from start to finish, defeating No. 28 Hugo Car, 6-2, 6-1, to push the Gauchos ahead 2-0 and earn his second straight win over a nationally ranked opponent. Avendano followed on court three, continuing the momentum with a commanding 6-1, 6-2 victory over Agustin Cuellar.

Conrad Brown provided the match-clinching point on court six, turning in a composed 6-3, 6-2 victory over Gughi Verdese as the fourth match to finish, officially securing the dual for the Gauchos.

With the outcome decided, play continued on the remaining courts. South Florida picked up a point on court five, where Mruzek edged out Charlie Underwood, 6-2, 7-5. Morais then added to the Blue and Gold's total with a gritty 6-3, 6-4 win over Danesi at the No. 4 position. On court two, Dominique Rolland grabbed the opening set before eventually falling in a hard-fought three-set battle against Elijah Cham to close out the afternoon.

RESULTS
Doubles
1. Dominique Rolland/Conrad Brown (UCSB) vs. Hugo Car/James Newton (USF) 5-4, unfinished
2. Lucca Liu/Miguel Avendano (UCSB) def. Max Mroz/Ettore Danesi (USF) 6-2
3. Diogo Morais/Lorenzo Brunkow (UCSB) def. Stepan Mruzek/Timeo Gaillard (USF) 6-1


Order of finish: 3, 2

Singles
1. #70 Lucca Liu (UCSB) def. #28 Hugo Car (USF) 6-2, 6-1
2. Elijah Cham (USF) def. #32 Dominique Rolland (UCSB) 0-6, 6-3, 6-1
3. Miguel Avendano (UCSB) def. Agustin Cuellar (USF) 6-1, 6-2
4. Diogo Morais (UCSB) def. Ettore Danesi (USF) 6-3, 6-4
5. Stepan Mruzek (USF) def. Charlie Underwood (UCSB) 6-2, 7-5
6. Conrad Brown (UCSB) def. Gughi Verdese (USF) 6-3, 6-2

Order of finish: 1, 3, 6, 5, 4, 2

UP NEXT
The Gauchos will look to carry their momentum away from home, opening a two-match road trip at the Zimmerman Tennis Center on Feb. 6 against familiar foe Pacific, followed by a matchup at Santa Clara on Feb. 7.