SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – UC Irvine's upset bid fell just short Sunday afternoon as the Anteaters dropped a 5-2 decision to No. 46 Cal Poly at the Mustang Tennis Complex.

"I am proud of how we competed," UCI head coach Mike Saunders said. "We played with belief and courage on each and every point."

The 'Eaters took the early lead as they came from behind to win the doubles point. After Cal Poly claimed the first match at the top of the lineup, junior Sebastian Heim and sophomore Luis Lopez defeated Karl Enander/Tim Tan, 6-3, at No. 2. Sophomore Vatsal Bajpai and freshman Bruce Man-Son-Hing then came up big at No. 3 where they topped Garrett Auproux/Josh Ortlip, 7-5.

In singles play, the Mustangs (15-6, 2-1 Big West) pulled ahead with victories at Nos. 4-6. Lopez then upended Auproux, 6-3, 2-6, 6-2, at No. 3 to bring the Anteaters within one, but Cal Poly was able to hold on in a couple of three-set thrillers to close out the dual.

Both Heim and Marquard held a one-set advantage in their respective matches before their ranked counterparts came back for the win. No. 106 Ben Donovan delivered the clincher with a 5-7, 6-2, 6-4 triumph over Marquard. Heim also put up a fight in a tough 6-7, 7-5, 6-4 loss to No. 119 Corey Pang.

"Bruce and Vatsal rose to the moment to capture the doubles point," Saunders added. "Luis was also an absolute rock today. He showed what an intelligent players he is and was clutch in the must-have moments."

UC Irvine (6-12, 0-3 Big West) is back in action on Wednesday, April 12, when it heads to UC Riverside for a 1 p.m. Big West showdown.

No. 46 Cal Poly 5, UC Irvine 2

Singles

1. #119 Corey Pang (CP) def. Sebastian Heim (UCI): 6-7, 7-5, 6-4

2. #106 Ben Donovan (CP) def. Luca Marquard (UCI): 5-7, 6-2, 6-4

3. Luis Lopez (UCI) def. Garett Auproux (CP): 6-3, 2-6, 6-2

4. Josh Ortlip (CP) def. Mason Hansen (UCI): 6-3, 6-4

5. Axel Damiens (CP) def. Bruce Man-Son-Hing (UCI): 6-1, 6-0

6. Antoine Noel (CP) def. Vatsal Bajpai (UCI): 6-4, 6-4

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

Doubles

1. #49 Donovan/Pang (CP) def. Hansen/Marquard (UCI): 6-1

2. Heim/Lopez (UCI) def. Karl Enander/Tim Tan (CP): 6-3

3. Bajpai/Man-Son-Hing (UCI) Def. Auproux/Ortlip (CP): 7-5

Order of finish: 1, 2, 3