IRVINE, Calif. – The UC Irvine men's tennis team cruised to a 6-1 win over Big West opponent UC Riverside, Friday afternoon on Senior Day at Anteater Tennis Stadium.

UC Irvine men's tennis and the athletic department recognized two senior players, Luca Marquard and Sebastian Heim, as today marked their last time competing at Anteater Tennis Stadium. Unfortunately, Heim was unable to play due to injury.

"I would like to pay tribute to our two graduating seniors, our German contingency, Sebastian Heim and Luca Marquard," head coach Mike Saunders said. "Sebby and Luca are truly the embodiment of the student athlete ideal. They have excelled not only on the tennis court, but also in the classroom. They have represented our university with class, brought recognition to our athletic department, and respect to our tennis program. Their greatest contribution has come through their daily leadership. Like all great leaders, they have led with purpose, by example, and from their hearts. They have inspired us with their passion, work ethic, courageous competitive spirit, integrity and positivity. They have united us with their commitment, sacrifice, selflessness and belief in their teammates. They have galvanized our team culture with a sense of family and a bond of brotherhood. The cumulative of which has helped us build a rock solid foundation that will enrich and empower this program for years to come. Any success we have in the future will have been ignited by their commitment and dedication."

UCI improves to 15-10 on the season and 2-2 in Big West play. Today marked the final home match of the season for the Anteaters as they finished with an impressive 13-2 record when playing at Anteater Tennis Stadium.

UCR dropped to 15-15 overall and 0-2 in conference play.

The 'Eaters glided through doubles play before winning five out of six singles matchups to seal the victory.

Bruce Man-Son-Hing and Vatsal Bajpai downed Nabil Adballah/Pawal Jankowiak at the top spot, 6-1, while Luca Marquard and Mason Hanson did not drop a point, winning 6-0 at No. 2 doubles. Luis Lopez and Daniel Gealer were up, 5-1, on court three when the match was called.

The Anteaters kept the momentum in singles play with four straight wins. Hansen earned a quick 6-4, 6-1 decision at No. 5 followed by Gealer who won on court four by a score of 6-1, 6-2.

Lopez triumphed at the top spot with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over UCR's Jankowiak to clinch the match. Krasnov battled at No. 3, taking the tie-breaker to win, 6-2, 5-7, 10-8.

Marquard dropped a tough 7-6 (7-2), 6-3 decision to Kyle McCann at the No. 2 position.

Bajpai fell in set one before coming back to win set two and the tie-breaker, 4-6, 6-3, 10-8, on court six.

UCI will conclude its regular season with a dual-match against UC Davis Friday, April 20 at 1:00 p.m.

"Lastly, I want to express my gratitude, Sanders continued. "They gave me their trust, respect, and believed in me every single day. They bestowed on me one of life's most precious gifts - the privilege to have some influence in their lives, which has imbued my journey with indelible meaning. I will cherish many memories - such as Luca's deciding victory over Boston College where he showed incredible courage and will; and Sebby's win at number one against USC where he didn't play his best but competed ferociously and found a way, as he did so often. I respect them both immensely and love them dearly. On behalf of the athletic department, our alumni, the coaches and teammates, I thank you both for always giving us your heart and soul. You did more than achieve success, you made a difference. Your legacy will inspire this program for years to come."

Sebastian Heim

• Two-time Big West Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year (2016,2017)
• Big West Player of the Year and Big West Freshman of the Year (2014-15)
• Three-time All-Big West First Team selection (2015, 2016, 2017)
• Seven-time Big West Athlete of the Week honoree
• Three time Big West All-Academic recipient
• Ranked as high as No. 55 in the country during his career
• Named to the Dean's List six times and named an ITA Scholar-Athlete
• Has 44 career-dual match wins, good for 33^rd all-time at UCI

CAREER RECORDS AT UCI
Overall Singles: 52-25
Dual-Match Singles: 44-19
Overall Doubles: 36-27
Dual-Match Doubles: 27-19

Luca Marquard

• Accepted to UC Irvine Law School
• All-Big West Honorable Mention selection in 2015-16
• All-Big West Second Team selection in both singles and doubles in 2016-17
• Two-time Big West Athlete of the Week honoree
• Defeated 79^th-ranked Filip Vittek at No. 1 singles in 2016-17
• Big West Spring All-Academic Team recipient
• Named to the Dean's List eight times

CAREER RECORDS AT UCI
Overall Singles: 50-38
Dual-Match Singles: 36-28
Overall Doubles: 33-39
Dual-Match Doubles: 18-29