SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – UC Irvine fell 6-1 on the road at No. 42 UC Santa Barbara in a Big West match Saturday morning.
 
The Anteaters (10-9, 1-5 Big West) dropped the doubles point as Haily Huynh and Lindsay Kim were defeated 6-0 on court three while the Gauchos (12-8, 7-0 Big West) claimed the 6-0 win against Amanda Perez and Maily Huynh on court two. At No. 1, Carolyna Fowler and Yen Nhi Huynh were battling with UCSB's top contenders and tied 3-all when the point was determined.
 
UCSB kept firing, taking away three straight singles wins at No. 1 (6-2, 6-2), No. 6 (6-4, 6-1), and No. 2 (6-1, 6-1) for a Gaucho win. Net up, H. Huynh earned UCI's lone point at the No. 4 spot with her 6-2, 6-3 defeat of Lily Pradkin. Action on court three was tight through the second set as Y. Huynh fell 6-4, 7-6 (7-2). Wrapping up the contest, M. Huynh's match at No. 5 went to three sets after she claimed the first 7-6 (7-4), but dropped 6-2, 12-10 in the next two.
 
FROM HEAD COACH ELIZABETH FERRIS SMITH
"We didn't come out into doubles playing how we've been practicing. There's no time to play into these matches. We have to play tough with belief right away. That being said, I'm proud of Yen and Lyna for stepping into that No. 1 spot for the first time and playing like they've been there this whole season. Very proud of Haily and Maily for stepping onto their singles courts after being stunned in doubles determined to do whatever it takes to win. Those two laid it all out on the line and did exactly what we asked of them with no fear. Some good performances today and tomorrow we will have all six courts fighting for every point!
 
FROM THE PLAYERS
"I am happy with the way that I played today. Even though the match did not go our way, I was able to swing through and work on my shots. I think this was a good test for us and we're going to use this match for tomorrow. I am happy with the way that I am playing and I'm looking forward to competing tomorrow. Go 'Eaters!" –Haily Huynh
 
SINGLES RESULTS
Marie Weissheim (UCSB) def. Carolyna Fowler (UCI) 6-2, 6-2
Raphaelle Leroux (UCSB) def. Amanda Perez (UCI) 6-1, 6-1
Emma Tutoveanu (UCSB) def. Yen Nhi Huynh (UCI) 6-4, 7-6 (7-2)
Haily Huynh (UCI) def. Lily Pradkin (UCSB) 6-2, 6-3
Carla Pacot (UCSB) def. Maily Huynh (UCI) 6-7 (4-7), 6-2, 12-10
Ali Benedetto (UCSB) def. Bella Pitchford (UCI) 6-4, 6-0
 
DOUBLES RESULTS
Lucy Lu/Lily Pradkin (UCSB) vs. Carolyna Fowler/Yen Nhi Huynh (UCI) 3-3 uf.
Marie Weissheim/Raphaelle Leroux (UCSB) def. Amanda Perez/Maily Huynh (UCI) 6-0
Ali Benedetto/Emma Tutoveanu (UCSB) def. Haily Huynh/Lindsay Kim (UCI) 6-0
 
UP NEXT
The Anteaters continue up the central coast to take on No. 52 Cal Poly on Sunday (Apr. 13) afternoon.