Anteater Update: February 16

February 16, 2026

National Rankings
Men's Volleyball - No. 4
Women's Water Polo - No. 11
Women's Basketball - No. 19 (College Insider Women's Mid-Major Poll)
Men's Basketball - RV (College Insider Men's Mid-Major Poll)

• Men’s basketball split a pair of games last week, falling at Cal Poly, 73-79 then bouncing back for an impressive 86-65 victory over Cal State Fullerton at home. The Anteaters are 17-9 overall and remain at the top of the Big West standings in a tie with Hawaii at 10-4. This week head coach Russell Turner’s squad heads to Black & Blue rival Long Beach State on Thursday (Feb. 19) for a 7:00 p.m. game at the Walter Pyramid before hosting UC San Diego Saturday (Feb. 21) the Bren Events Center at 7:00 p.m.

•  With six blocks last week, forward Kyle Evans climbed both the UCI and Big West season block lists with a nation's best 87 blocks overall. He moved into a tie for second on the UCI season list and in a tie for fourth on the Big West season block list, tying Mamadou Ndiaye who had 87 in 2015-16. Evans is now tracking down Ndiaye's school record of 106 set in 2013-14.

• Women's basketball (21-4, 12-2 Big West) secured its fifth-straight 20-win season with a dominant 84-39 victory over Cal Poly at the Bren Events Center on Feb. 12. The Anteaters came back two days later to top Cal State Fullerton, 77-71, on the road to remain a half-game behind league-leading UC San Diego in the Big West standings. The 'Eaters and Tritons will square off this Saturday, Feb. 21 in La Jolla. Prior to that match-up, UCI is set to host Black & Blue Rival Long Beach State on Thursday, Feb. 19.

• Last Saturday at Cal State Fullerton, Hunter Hernandez registered her third 30-point game of the year. She also finished with a career-high seven steals, which is tied for third in single-game school history. Jada Wynn added a pair of 20-point performances last week, combining to go 16-of-24 (66.7%) from the field and 10-for-14 (71.4%) from beyond the arc. Wynn now ranks 25th in the nation in 3-point field goal percentage at 42.8%. As a team, UCI is among the top-10 in all of NCAA Division I women's basketball in field goal percentage defense (6th, 34.4%), free throws made (8th, 16.7/game), and free throw percentage (9th, 79.3%).

• The UC Irvine men’s volleyball team split a home and away series with then-No. 4 USC last week, each winning on each other’s home court. Senior William D’Arcy led UCI in both matches, averaging 4.22 kills, 5.11 points, 1.44 digs and 0.78 blocks per set last week. UCI improved to 12-1 overall, tied for the nation's lead in overall wins. The Anteaters, who moved into No. 4 in the rankings, will take a break this week and return to action hosting No. 1 UCLA on Feb. 27 at the Bren Events Center at 7:00 p.m.

• Women's indoor track & field continued to re-write the record books at the Battle Born Classic in Reno, Nevada. Last Saturday, Aoife Hernon broke a six-year-old school record in the 400m with a one-second personal-best 54.12. She then joined forces with Jazzmine Davis, Halle Sutherland, and Joy Anderson to run a program-best 3:42.46 in the 4x400. It is the second time this season the Anteaters set a new standard in the relay event. Emma Hadley (2:10.80) and Kaia Schmidt (2:11.59) added top-three marks in school history in the 800m, while Samantha Bartz ran UCI's second-fastest 60m at 7.44 seconds.

• Baseball began 2026 with a series sweep at Sacramento State. Trevor Hansen collected a career-high 11 strikeouts and teamed up with Ryder Brooks on a 1-hitter in Friday night's 5-0 win. They played a doubleheader Saturday scoring late to win the first game 7-3 behind eight Ricky Ojeda strikeouts. In the nightcap, Cade Castles made his collegiate debut as the starter, and the offense came from behind to seal the sweep, 6-2. The Anteaters come home for their home opener Tuesday night vs. San Diego State starting their longest homestand of the year hosting SDSU, Cal, and Grand Canyon

• Women's water polo (4-9) hosted the three-day Barbara Kalbus Invitational, Feb. 13-15. The Anteaters closed out the tournament with a 15-13 victory over No. 7 Long Beach State in the seventh-place game on Sunday. Annabelle Mundelius led the way with four goals and two assists against the Beach. Ella Walker played all three games in goal, finishing with 23 saves on the weekend. UCI returns to Anteater Aquatics Complex on Friday, Feb. 20, when it hosts UC San Diego in its Big West opener. The 'Eaters will then hold their alumni game on Saturday, Feb. 21.

• Women’s golf started the spring schedule off with a bang, finishing second at the San Diego State Classic (872-284-294-294). The Anteaters shot a first round of 284 which is tied for the fifth lowest in school history. Graduate student Jenny Chang had a career-best fourth place finish, recording a two-day total of 213 (68-71-74), while sophomore Katelyn Kong was fifth with a score of two-under 214 (70-73-71). The duo each had a team-best nine birdies. Next week, UCI will participate in the Bruin Wave Invitational Feb. 23-24 at the Valencia Country Club.

• Women's tennis split their matches last week starting with a 7-0 road win at Chapman on Thursday. They traveled to Cal State Fullerton falling 5-2 on Sunday. UCI secured five of six doubles matches on the week winning the point in each. They're home for a pair starting Friday afternoon vs. Portland and following Saturday vs. Pacific.

• Men's tennis is back in action this weekend, hosting Saint Mary's on Saturday, Feb. 21, and San Diego State on Sunday, Feb. 22. Both matches are slated for a 1 p.m. start at Anteater Tennis Stadium.

February 9, 2026

National Rankings
Men's Volleyball - No. 5
Women's Water Polo - No. 12
Women's Basketball - No. 20 (College Insider Women's Mid-Major Poll)
Men's Basketball - RV (College Insider Men's Mid-Major Poll)

• Men's basketball (16-8) remains in a battle atop the Big West with a win over Cal State Bakersfield at home Thursday before a five-point road loss at UC Santa Barbara who they lead by ½ a game in the standings alongside Hawai'i who is also 9-2. Tama Isaac scored 14 points with 13 assists to lead the squad Thursday, and Andre Henry put up a season high 18 points, all in the second half, as part of a furious second-half comeback against the Gauchos. This week begins Thursday up at Cal Poly before a return to the Bren Events Center Saturday night in a lovely Valentine's Day matchup against Cal State Fullerton where the 2026 Hall of Fame class will be honored.

• Senior forward Kyle Evans continues to lead the nation in blocks with 81 and in blocking average (3.38) with six more blocks in the two games last week. He rose to seventh in the Big West single-season leaders. As a team, the Anteaters rank third in block average (6.1), fourth in field goal percentage defense (37.8), and eighth in defensive rebounds (28.71).

• Women's basketball (19-4, 10-2 Big West) went 2-0 last week, defeating Cal State Bakersfield on the road, 85-53, and UC Santa Barbara at home, 63-41. On Saturday against the Gauchos, UC Irvine held its annual Breast Cancer Awareness Game. UCI is back in the Bren Events Center to take on Cal Poly in its Black History Month game this Thursday (Feb. 12) at 6 p.m. The 'Eaters then make a quick trip to Cal State Fullerton for a 2 p.m. showdown on Saturday, Feb. 14.

• The Anteaters now have nine 20-plus point victories on the year and five in 11 Big West games played. They also secured their sixth-straight season with at least 10 conference wins. UC Irvine continues to rank among the top-10 in the nation in free throw percentage (5th), free throws made (7th), and field goal percentage defense (7th). Individually, Hunter Hernandez leads the ’Eaters with 18.2 ppg, which puts her second in the Big West and among the top-50 in all of NCAA Division I. 

• Men’s volleyball is off to an 11-0 start after beating neighbors Vanguard and Concordia last week, the first time in program history the team has started with 11 consecutive.victories.

• No. 5 UCI will entertain No. 4 USC Wednesday (Feb. 11) in a battle of un-beatens at the Bren Events Center starting at 6:00 p.m. The Anteaters will travel to the Trojans Friday (Feb. 13) at the Galen Center.

• For the third time in as many meets, the women's indoor track & field team broke a school record. On the first day of the Wolf Pack Classic (Feb. 6), Halle Sutherland took down an eight-year-old indoor 200m record that was held by Olympian Persis William-Mensah. Sutherland topped the charts with a time of 24.12. Aoife Hernon also clocked a lifetime-best 24.40, which ranks third in program history. In the pole vault, Alana Sugue cleared a PR 3.86 meters (12-8) to move up to No. 2 among the Anteaters' all-time top-10. UC Irvine's quartet of Ihe Okoh, Sarah Ajayi, Mikah Longcob, and Gabrielle Hawkins closed out the meet with the third-fastest 4x400 relay in indoor school history (3:47.91).

• Women's water polo (3-7) dropped a pair of tough road games this past weekend. On Friday, ninth-ranked LMU mounted a fourth-quarter comeback to steal a 9-7 win at Burns Aquatic Center. Michelle Urkov paced the 'Eaters with three goals. The following day, UCI hung tough at No. 2 UCLA in a 15-10 loss at Spieker Aquatics Center. UC Irvine will make its home debut this weekend, hosting the Barbara Kalbus Invitational, Feb. 13-15.

• Men's tennis fell at No. 11 San Diego, 6-1, and at No. 21 USC, 4-0, this past weekend. Three of the Anteaters' first four opponents of the 2026 dual-match campaign have been ranked among the top-25 in the nation. Hiroki Sakagawa had an impressive singles win against the Toreros as he upset No. 103 Manvydas Balciunas, 4-6, 6-3, 10-6, on Court 1.

• Women’s golf starts the spring schedule at the San Diego State Classic Monday and Tuesday (Feb. 9-10) at The Height Country Club.

• Women's tennis got in the win column last week on their road trip winning 4-3 at Santa Clara Saturday before a tight 4-3 defeat at UC Davis Sunday. Maily Huynh paced the squad with wins in all four of her doubles and singles matches on the weekend.

• Baseball begins their 2026 season this week heading on the road to Sacramento State for three beginning Friday, February 13. The 'Eaters were projected to finish third according to the preseason coaches poll with Trevor Hansen and Ricky Ojeda honored on the preseason coaches team. Ojeda has been named on multiple preseason All-American teams and was even part of the Golden Spikes Award Preseason Watch List as 1 of 55 players across college baseball.

February 2, 2026

National Rankings
Men's Volleyball - No. 5
Women's Water Polo - No. 11
Women's Basketball - No. 15 (College Insider Women's Mid-Major Poll)
Men's Basketball - RV (College Insider Men's Mid-Major Poll)

• Men's basketball (15-7) took back sole possession of first place in the Big West with an overtime victory over Hawai'i, 87-76, in their lone matchup last week Thursday night featured on ESPNU. Jurian Dixon and Kyle Evans led the way with 19 points each, and Andre Henry starred in the extra period scoring eight points as the 'Eaters outscored UH, 15-4. The Anteaters begin the week at home Thursday night (Feb. 5) against Cal State Bakersfield as a 7:00 p.m. tip-off before embarking to UC Santa Barbara Saturday (Feb. 7) with another ESPNU showing and tip-off at 7:00 p.m.

• Senior forward Kyle Evans continues to lead the nation in blocks with 75 and in blocking average (36) after his second 8-block game of the season vs. Hawai'i. As a team, the Anteaters rank second in blocks (6.1), third in field goal percentage defense (37.3), and ninth in defensive rebounds (29.93).

• Women's basketball (17-4, 8-2 Big West) fell at Hawai'i, 55-50, in its lone game last week. The Anteaters, who are currently third in the Big West standings, will look to get back in the win column on Thursday when they travel to Cal State Bakersfield for a 6:30 p.m. showdown. UCI then returns to the Bren Events Center to host UC Santa Barbara in its Breast Cancer Awareness and National Girls and Women in Sports Day game Saturday at 2 p.m.

• Hunter Hernandez has continued to lead UC Irvine, averaging 18.8 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. She ranks third in the conference and 38th in the nation in scoring average. As a team, the Anteaters are still among the top-five in the country in free throws made (17.6/game) and free throw percentage (80.6%), while they are eighth in field goal percentage defense, limiting opponents to 34.6% from the field.

• Fifth-ranked men's volleyball improved to 9-0 after a pair of victories against No. 16 Stanford at the Bren Events Center. William D'Arcy led UCI in each match. The Anteaters, who are one of four teams still undefeated this season, ranked seventh nationally in hitting percentage with a .361 mark. Among Big West players, libero Shane Aitken leads the league in digs with a 2.13 average. Middle blocker Trevor clark is second in hitting percentage (.558) and blocking (1.14), while outside hitter Andrej Jokanovic is third in kills (3.31). UCI is on the road locally at Vanguard Wednesday (Feb. 4) at 7:30 p.m. and Friday (Feb. 6) at Concordia at 7:00 p.m.

• Women's water polo (3-5) finished seventh at the Triton Invitational in La Jolla this past weekend. The Anteaters picked up wins over Big West foes UC Santa Barbara, 17-3, and UC San Diego, 14-9. Lauren Hett led the way, tying her season-high with five goals in both victories.

• Emma Hadley shattered a 21-year-old school record in the mile with a personal-best 4:42.71 last Saturday at the UW Invitational. Hadley placed among the top-10 in the meet. Kaia Schmidt also beat the previous record of 4:52.78 that was held by Kim Ramirez with a PR 4:51.70. She now ranks second in program history behind Hadley. Women's indoor track & field is back in action this weekend at the Wolf Pack Invitational in Reno, Nevada (Feb. 6-7).

• Men's tennis fell to Grand Canyon, 6-1, in their home opener at the Racquet Club of Irvine. Hiroki Sakagawa picked up an impressive 6-2, 6-4 victory at No. 1 singles. The Anteaters will be on the road for two ranked matches this weekend, traveling to No. 10 San Diego (Feb. 6) and No. 22 USC (Feb. 8).

• Men's golf started their spring season today with the first two rounds of the Bill Cullum Invitational at The Saticoy Club. They will wrap up the 54-hole tournament on Tuesday.

January 26, 2026

National Rankings
Men's Volleyball - No. 5
Women's Water Polo - No. 10
Women's Basketball - No. 12 (College Insider Women's Mid-Major Poll)
Men's Basketball - RV (College Insider Men's Mid-Major Poll)

• Men's basketball (14-7) went 2-0 on the road last week, beating UC Riverside, 80-66 and ending with a thrilling 61-59 victory over UC San Diego. Guard Jurian Dixon led UCI in scoring in both games, including recording the game-winning layup with 28 seconds against the Tritons. The Anteaters will face Hawaii in a showdown of the Big West's top two teams (7-2) at 8:00 p.m.Thursday (Jan. 29) in the Bren Events Center. The game will be nationally televised on ESPNU.

• Senior forward Kyle Evans continues to lead the nation in blocks with 67 and in blocking average (3.21). As a team, the Anteaters rank third in field goal percentage defense (37.5), sixth in blocks (6.1) and 10th in defensive rebounds (28.81).

• Women's basketball (17-3, 8-1 Big West) split its two Big West games at the Bren Events Center last week, defeating UC Riverside before falling to UC San Diego. The Anteaters, who were handed their first conference loss of the season, saw a program-record 16-game win streak come to an end. It was the third-longest active win streak in all of NCAA Division I women's basketball at the time. Saturday was also UCI's first home loss since Feb. 15, 2025. The ‘Eaters have a tough road trip this week, traveling to Hawai’i for a 7 p.m. (HT)/9 p.m. (PT) game on Thursday, Jan. 29.

• Hunter Hernandez has continued to lead UC Irvine, averaging 19.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. She ranks second in the conference and 26th in the nation in scoring average. As a team, the Anteaters are still among the top-five in the country in free throws made (18.1/game) and free throw percentage (80.6%), while they are 10th in field goal percentage defense, limiting opponents to 34.8% from the field.

• Fifth-ranked men's volleyball improved to 7-0 after a pair of five-set victories at No. 8 BYU. The first match saw UCI pull off the reverse sweep after trailing two sets and 8-12 in the fifth. Trevor Clark led the Anteater charge in the final 7-1 run with two kills and three blocks, the last the match winning solo block. He recorded a career-high 13 kills, following freshman Andrej Jokanovic who led UCI with a career-best 19 kills. Opposite William D'Arcy had 16 kills in the first meeting with the Cougars then blasted a career-high 22 kills the next night. This week, UCI hosts No. 14 Stanford Friday and Saturday (Jan. 30&31). Both matches start at 6:00 p.m. at the Bren Events Center.

• Women's water polo (1-3) returns to action this weekend at the Triton Invitational, Jan. 30-Feb. 1. The Anteaters, who are ranked 10th nationally, will open the three-day tournament against No. 18 UC Santa Barbara Friday at 4 p.m. Lauren Hett (14) and Madi O'Hara (12) have combined for more than half of UC Irvine's 43 goals through the first four games of the season.

• Women's indoor track & field returns to the Pacific Northwest for their second meet of the year as they will compete in the UW Invitational in Seattle on Saturday, Jan. 31.

• Men's tennis is set to host Grand Canyon at the Racquet Club of Irvine on Saturday, Jan. 31. First serve is scheduled for 1 p.m.

January 19, 2026

National Rankings
Men's Volleyball - No. 5
Women's Water Polo - No. 8
Women's Basketball - No. 13 (College Insider Women's Mid-Major Poll)
Men's Basketball - RV (College Insider Men's Mid-Major Poll)

• UC Irvine women's basketball (16-2, 7-0 Big West) remained undefeated in conference and at home this season with a dominant 73-42 win over UC Davis last Saturday at the Bren Events Center. Jada Wynn led all players with 24 points as she went 8-for-12 from the field and 5-of-8 from beyond the arc. The Anteaters tied their season high with 13 threes made, while holding the conference's most prolific 3-point shooting team to just two triples on 22 attempts. 

• UCI has now won 15 games in a row, marking the third-longest active win streak in all of NCAA Division I women's basketball. The 'Eaters also rank among the top-10 in the nation in free throw percentage (4th), free throws made (5th), and field goal percentage defense (9th). UC Irvine is back in the Bren Events Center this week, closing out a four-game Big West homestand against UC Riverside (6-11, 4-3 Big West) on Thursday and fellow Big West leader UC San Diego (12-5, 7-0 Big West) on Saturday.

• Men's basketball (12-7) dropped its lone game of the week in another close road battle, 72-75 at UC Davis. Jurian Dixon led four Anteaters (Dixon 16, Jester Jr. 12, Harrison Carrington 11, Kyle Evans 10) in double-figure scoring. The Anteaters remain on the road for two more, heading to UC Riverside Thursday (Jan. 22) and UC San Diego (Jan. 24). Both games tip at 7:00 p.m.

• Senior forward Kyle Evans had four blocks against the Aggies and continues to lead the nation in blocks with 61 and in blocking average (3.21). As a team, the Anteaters rank fifth nationally in blocks (6.3) and field goal percentage defense (37.9).

• Men's volleyball improved to 5-0 after sweeping No. 18 Princeton at home then upsetting then-No. 3 Pepperdine, 3-1 on the road. Senior William D'Arcy led UCI in the upset with a season-high 19 kills off the bench. Freshman Andrej Jokanovic led the Anteaters against the Tigers with nine kills before posting a career-best 17 kills versus the Waves. The home opener was played in front of almost 1,600 fans, including over 600 students. This week, UCI travels to No. 8 BYU for a pair of matches Friday and Saturday (Jan. 23&24). Both matches start at 6:00 p.m. PT

• Women's indoor track & field started the season strong with a school record and three event wins at the Spokane Indoor Challenge this past Saturday. Jazzmine Davis, Aoife Hernon, Gabrielle Hawkins, and Esmeray Demirbas combined for a program-best 3:45.77 in the 4x400 relay. The quartet topped UCI's previous standard by two seconds. Davis also won the 60m hurdles, while Hernon took top honors in the 400m with a time of 55.43, which ranks third in school history. Nyla Baker added an individual victory in the shot put with a lifetime-best 14.62 meters (47-11.75).

• Women's water polo went 1-3 at the season-opening Polopalooza in Fresno, California. The Anteaters won their first game against No. 12 San Jose State, 15-7, before falling to No. 7 Fresno State, No. 10 Indiana, and No. 5 Cal. On the weekend, Lauren Hett and Madi O'Hara led the Anteater offense with 14 and 12 goals, respectively. The 'Eaters are back in action this weekend at the Triton Invitational (Jan. 30-Feb. 1).

• Women's tennis fell to Houston and Nevada in their season-opening weekend at Anteater Tennis Stadium. The Anteaters will be on the road for their next four matches, starting at Santa Clara (Feb. 7) and UC Davis (Feb. 8) in two weeks.

• Men's tennis faced a tough road test to start the season, traveling to No. 12 UCLA, whose lineup featured two ranked doubles teams and three ranked singles players. After coming up short in doubles, the Anteaters found themselves three points away from being up a set on four of the six singles courts, but were unable to pull off the upset, ultimately falling, 7-0. Max Fardanesh, Hiroki Sakagawa, and Sohrob Amiryavari all pushed their respective opponents to a third set. The 'Eaters are back in action on Jan. 31, when they host Grand Canyon at the Racquet Club of Irvine.

January 12, 2026

National Rankings
Men's Volleyball - No. 7
Women's Basketball - No. 14 (College Insider Women's Mid-Major Poll)
Men's Basketball - RV (College Insider Men's Mid-Major Poll)

• UC Irvine women's basketball (15-2, 6-0 Big West) remained undefeated in conference with a 78-59 win at Long Beach State and a 50-47 victory over Hawai'i last week. Jada Wynn scored UCI's final five points against the Rainbow Wahine, including a turnaround jumper in the paint with 20 seconds on the clock to seal the three-point win. The Anteaters have won 14 games in a row, which is the fourth-longest active win streak in all of NCAA Division I. They are also second in the nation in free throws made (18.7/gm) and third in free throw percentage (81.3%). The 'Eaters have one game this week, hosting UC Davis at the Bren Events Center in a 2 p.m. Big West showdown on Saturday, Jan. 17.

• Hunter Hernandez was named the Big West Women's Basketball Player of the Week for the fourth time this season. Hernandez, who has scored 20+ in five-straight outings, leads the squad and ranks 27th in the country with 19.2 points per game. She is also fifth in the nation in free throws made (94). 

• Men's basketball (12-6) split a pair of games last week, beating Black & Blue Rival Long Beach State before falling at Hawaii on a buzzer beater on the road. The Anteaters remain on top of the Big West standings with a 5-1 mark. UCI will travel to UC Davis Saturday (Jan. 17) for the lone game of the week. Tip is set for 2:00 p.m.

• Guard Jurian Dixon led UCI against Long Beach State with 23 points, while guard Derin Saran led all players with 22 points versus Hawaii. The Anteaters are currently fifth in blocks per game (6.3) and in field goal percentage defense (37.9) and 21st in defensive rebounds (28.67). Senior forward Kyle Evans leads the nation in blocks with 57 and in blocking average (3.13).

• Men's volleyball went 3-0 at the Asics Invitational sweeping Harvard, Kentucky State and Maryville. The seventh-ranked Anteaters lead the country in opponents hitting percentage (.010) and are ranked second in hitting percentage (.460), third in aces (2.78) and 13th in digs (8.67). UCI hosts No. 18 Princeton in the home opener Wednesday (Jan. 14) at the Bren Events Center before traveling to No. 3 Pepperdine Friday (Jan. 16). Both matches begin at 6:00 p.m.

• Women's water polo heads to Fresno, California, for the season-opening Polopalooza, Jan. 17-18. The Anteaters will play two games each day, starting with San Jose State and tournament host Fresno State on Saturday. They will then square off against Indiana and Cal on Sunday.

• Women's tennis kicks off the 2026 dual season with two home matches this weekend, welcoming Houston (Jan. 16) and Nevada (Jan. 18) to Anteater Tennis Stadium.

• Men's tennis is on the road for its dual match opener, as they head to UCLA on Saturday, Jan. 17.

• Women's indoor track & field begins their 2026 season at the Spokane Indoor Challenge this weekend. The Anteaters will be in action Saturday, Jan. 17, at The Podium in Spokane, Washington.

January 6, 2026

National Rankings
Men's Volleyball - No. 6
Women's Basketball - No. 14 (College Insider Women's Mid-Major Poll)

• Men's basketball (11-5) enters the week on a four-game winning streak and will play one of its two home games in January on Thursday (Jan. 8) hosting Black & Blue rival Long Beach State at 7:00 p.m. at the Bren Events Center. The Anteaters then head out on the road for four straight beginning on Saturday (Jan. 10) facing Hawaii at the Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center. Tip time is 9:00 p.m. PT.  With wins over CSU Bakersfield (81-77) and Cal State Fullerton (86-64) on the road last week, UCI improved to 4-0 in the Big West, the only team without a league loss.

• Guard Jurian Dixon was named Big West Player of the Week after averaging 20.5 points and shooting .542 (13-24) from the floor and 10-14 (.714) from three. The redshirt sophomore went 6-7 from downtown against the Roadrunners on his way to a career-high 26 points. His career-best 6 threes are tied for fourth most by a Big West player this season and are the most for an Anteater player since 2023 when DJ Davis had six versus Hawaii. It was UCI's second consecutive Big West weekly honor with Kyle Evans claiming the award the previous week.

• The Anteaters are currently sixth in blocks per game (6.3), seventh in field goal percentage defense (37.5) and 24th in defensive rebounds (28.75). Senior forward Kyle Evans leads the nation in blocks with 50 and is third in blocking average (3.13).

• UC Irvine women's basketball (13-2, 4-0 Big West) kicked off 2026 with victories over Cal State Bakersfield and Cal State Fullerton to extend their school-record win streak to 12 games. Hunter Hernandez led the way, averaging a team-best 26.5 points and 9.5 rebounds. She had her second double-double of the season with 27 points and 11 boards against the Roadrunners, while dropping a game-high 26 points vs. the Titans. 

• Through 15 games, the Anteaters have the best record in program history at 13-2. As of Jan. 6, UC Irvine is second in all of NCAA Division I in both free throws made (19.1/gm) and free throw percentage (82%). The 'Eaters also rank 13th in the nation in field goal percentage defense, holding their opponents to 34.5%.

• Men's volleyball starts the season at the UC Santa Barbara Asics Invitational Thursday-Saturday. The sixth-ranked Anteaters begin the year against Harvard then face first-time opponents Kentucky State and Maryville. UCI hosts Princeton in the home opener Jan. 14 at the Bren Events Center.

December 22, 2025

• Men's basketball (9-5) captured the WestStar Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational Championship title with a 89-70 victory over Norfolk State. Senior forward Kyle Evans was named the Invitational MVP after recording 46 points and 17 rebounds over the two games. Guard Jurian Dixon was also named to the All-Invitational team. It is UCI's second Sun Bowl title after winning in 2015 with a similar victory over Norfolk State. Evans is second nationally in total blocks, while UCI is fifth in blocks per game.

• UC Irvine women's basketball (11-2) closed out the 2025 calendar year on a program-record 10-game win streak. The Anteaters finished non-conference play with dominant road wins at New Mexico State (83-66) and UTEP (93-72) last week. Six of UCI's 11 victories have been by 20+ points. The 'Eaters have also scored 70+ points in each of their last six outings. UC Irvine returns to action on Jan. 1, when it welcomes Cal State Bakersfield to the Bren Events Center for its Big West home opener.

• Senior Hunter Hernandez continued her offensive tear in the Anteaters' two wins last week, averaging 24.5 points on 58.6% shooting (60% 3FG) to earn her third-straight Big West Player of the Week award. Hernandez went off for a career-high 36 points in 34 minutes of a 93-72 victory over the Miners. She was an efficient 13-of-18 (72%) from the field, 4-for-5 (80%) from beyond the arc and 6-of-6 at the free throw line. Hernandez's 36 points were the most by a Big West player this season, while she is the only individual in the conference with multiple 30-point games this season. Hernandez also had 13 points, seven rebounds, and a career-high tying five assists at NM State.

December 9, 2025

National Rankings
Men's Water Polo - No. 16 (Final)

• Men's basketball began Big West play with a pair of home wins over UC Riverside, 73-60, and CSUN, 85-71. Kyle Evans had a team-high 19 points Thursday with five blocks to add to his then-national lead in the stat, and followed with 12 points and a career-high and Big West best 16 rebounds as part of five Anteater scorers in double figures. The week coupled with women's basketball's 2-0 start made UC Irvine 1 of 2 schools to start 2-0 from both men's and women's programs. Next up is more non-conference play with a 6:00 p.m. Friday night match in the Bren Events Center vs. Belmont before a trip to El Paso in the Sun Bowl Invitational starting Sunday, December 21 vs. North Dakota State.

• UC Irvine women's basketball opened conference play at 2-0 for the sixth year in a row. The Anteaters were on the road for both games during The Big West's Bold Week, taking down UC Riverside, 77-40, and CSUN, 72-46. Hunter Hernandez was named the Big West Player of the Week after dropping a career-high 31 points in 31 minutes against the Matadors. She went 11-for-25 from the field and 8-of-9 at the free throw line. Hernandez added eight rebounds, two steals and one assist without committing a turnover. The 'Eaters are riding a seven-game win streak and now sit at 8-2 overall. UCI is back home on Saturday, Dec. 13, welcoming future Big West member California Baptist to the Bren Events Center for a 2 p.m. non-conference showdown.

• Awards were dished out to men's soccer on Tuesday with a program-record five named United Soccer Coaches All-Far West Region. Brady Treinen and Misael Gonzalez Lopez anchored the ‘Eaters on the First Team while the trio of Agaton Pourshahidi, Isaac Powell, and Nolan DiCenzo. The ’Eaters previous high was three on multiple occasions as head coach Yossi Raz has put at total of 13 players on All-Far West Region in his eight seasons with the club.

December 1, 2025

National Rankings
Men's Water Polo - No. 16

• Men's basketball improved to 5-4 overall, riding a two-game winning streak, beating South Dakota State and San Jose State on the road. Guard Derin Saran led the Anteaters with 24 points and seven rebounds versus the Spartans.

• The team opens Big West play, hosting UC Riverside Thursday (Dec. 4) and CSUN Saturday (Dec. 6). Both games begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Bren Events Center.

• UC Irvine women's basketball (6-2) hosted the inaugural ZotGiving Classic last weekend and went 2-0, defeating Wichita State, 58-52, and Colgate, 82-48. Hunter Hernandez finished with a team-high 20 points against the Shockers, while Jada Wynn led the way against the Raiders with 18 points, six rebounds, and six assists. The Anteaters begin conference play on the road as part of The Big West's Bold Week, traveling to UC Riverside (Dec. 4) and CSUN (Dec. 6).

• The women’s volleyball team ended the season with a loss to Long Beach State in the first round of the Big West Championship. Libero Campbell Jensen was named second team All-Big West, while outside hitter Kendra Duffey was an honorable mention selection.   
 

November 24, 2025

National Rankings
Men's Water Polo - No. 15

• Men's soccer's season ended in the NCAA First Round Thursday with a 2-0 loss at Denver. The Anteaters finished 2025 with a record of 11-4-6 reaching the NCAA Tournament for an eighth time in program history. Behind head coach Yossi Raz winning his third Big West Coach of the Year honor, the Anteaters earning Big West regular season and championship titles for the sixth of each in UC Irvine men's soccer history.

• UC Irvine women's basketball (4-2) won the Great Alaska Shootout with victories over Bowling Green and St. Thomas in Anchorage last weekend. Jada Wynn was named the Most Outstanding Player after averaging a double-double with 17.0 points and 10.5 rebounds per game. Hunter Hernandez also registered 12.5 points and 4.5 boards per outing to earn All-Tournament Team honors. The Anteaters return to the Bren Events Center this weekend, hosting the ZotGiving Classic on Friday and Saturday (Nov. 28-29).

• The women’s volleyball team qualified for the Big West Championship after upsetting Cal Poly, the second place team in the conference, with a 3-0 sweep in the regular season finale. Sophomore Madison Triplett led the Anteaters with 12 kills.

• The Anteaters are the No. 6 seed and will face third-seeded Long Beach State Wednesday (Nov. 26) in the first round of the Big West Championship at the LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid. First serve is 6:00 p.m.

• Men's basketball dipped to a 3-3 overall record with a pair of losses last week. It started with a 79-72 loss at Utah Valley Wednesday led by Jurian Dixon's 18 points. UCI returned home Saturday night facing Northern Iowa and were upended, 70-69, in overtime. Derin Saran finished with a career high 29 points in the contest, and Kyle Evans blocked eight shots to set a career-high and finish with the most by an Anteater since Brad Greene's nine in 2021. The Anteaters began the Cancun Challenge last week at Utah Valley and now head to Cancun and the Hard Rock Riviera Maya to play a pair of games starting Tuesday, November 25, at 5:30 p.m. vs. New Mexico State and completing the trip Wednesday night at 5:30 p.m. vs. South Dakota State.

• Men's water polo fell to 13th-ranked and fourth-seeded UC San Diego in the first round of the Big West Championship last Friday at Anteater Aquatics Complex. UCI finishes the season with a 15-12 overall record.

November 17, 2025

National Rankings
Men's Water Polo - No. 15

• Men's soccer took home the Big West Championship Friday with a 2-1 win over UC Santa Barbara in a rain-soaked final in Santa Barbara. Hometown kid and senior defender Travis Babineau netted a brilliant free kick in the 27th minute and then assisted on UCI's game-winner in the 46th minute scored by Hunny Yoo as the defense held off the Gauchos who drew within a goal in the 66th minute to secure the program's sixth championship title. Senior captain Nolan DiCenzo was named Big West Championship MVP and he was joined on the All-Tournament Team by Babineau, Isaac Powell, and Brady Treinen.

• Men's soccer earned the automatic qualifier from the Big West, their eighth berth in the NCAA Tournament, and learned their path Monday morning as they play in the NCAA First Round at the University of Denver, a 2:00 p.m. PT kickoff on Thursday, November 20. Advancing through would send UCI to a Sunday NCAA Second Round matchup at No. 8 National Seed Portland with six games in all needed to advance through to win the NCAA College Cup and national championship

• Men's basketball improved to 3-1 with a 79-70 win over Weber State in the Bren Events Center on Saturday led by Jurian Dixon's 18 first-half points and 23 in the game to tie a career-high. The 'Eaters set out for their first road matchup at Utah Valley on Wednesday, November 19, in Orem, Utah. That matchup is part of the 2025 Cancun Challenge that UCI will travel to over the Thanksgiving Weekend. In between those matchups, the Anteaters return home for a game Saturday night in the Bren against Northern Iowa tipping off at 7:30 p.m. Northern Iowa and UCI are two of top mid-major programs in the country. This week, Northern Iowa is ranked eighth and UCI is 12th in the CollegeInsider.com Mid-Major Top 25 poll.

• Last week, UC Irvine women's basketball (2-2) fell at Idaho State before cruising to a 90-75 win over Northern Arizona at the Bren Events Center. Both of the Anteaters' wins have come at home this season. Against NAU, Shirel Nahum led five ‘Eaters in double figures with a career-high 23 points. Jada Wynn also had 21 points and 11 rebounds, while Hunter Hernandez added another double-double with 11 points and 11 boards. Nohe’alani Stores (14) and Naomy Zonzon-Huyghe (10) rounded out the double-digit scorers. UCI is back on the road this week, traveling to Anchorage for two games at the Great Alaska Shootout, Nov. 21-22.

• The women’s volleyball went 1-1 last week, falling at CSUN (2-3) and beating Cal State Baskesfield (3-1) on the road. Against the Matadors, outside hitter Kendra Duffey had a career-high 20 kills before outside hitter Madison Triplett topped that with a career-high 21 kills versus the Roadrunners. Libero Jensen Campbell was named Big West Defensive Player of the Week for the third time this season after averaging 5.00 digs per set last week.

• This week, UCI hosts UC Santa Barbara Friday (Nov. 21) for a 6:00 p.m. first serve then Cal Poly Saturday (Nov. 22) at 1:00 p.m. in the regular season finale. The Anteaters are in a fight to qualify for the Big West Championship starting on Nov. 26.

• Men's water polo's regular season finale at Loyola Marymount was canceled due to a power outage on the LMU campus. UCI (15-11, 2-3 Big West) will now host the Big West Championships at Anteater Aquatics Complex, Nov. 21-23. The 'Eaters are seeded fifth and will face No. 4 seed UC San Diego in the first round at noon on Friday.

• Men's and women's cross country closed out the 2025 campaign at the NCAA West Regional last Friday. On the men's side, Juan Chantaca came in 32nd out of 203 runners. He ran a 10K personal-record 30:09.4, which ranks seventh in program history. The Anteater women had a 14th-place showing for their best regional finish in three years. Kaia Schmidt led the way as she covered the 6K course in 21:01.2 to take 60th in a field of 263. Emma Hadley wasn't far behind in 64th with a time of 21:06.2.

November 12, 2025

National Rankings
Men's Water Polo - No. 15
Men's Tennis - No. 7 (CTN Preseason Mid-Major)
Hiroki Sakagawa/Rohan Sachdev - No. 77 (ITA Men's Tennis Preseason Doubles)

• Men's basketball will host Weber State Saturday (Nov. 15) at the Bren Events Center. Tip is 7:00 p.m. The Anteaters went 1-1 recently in the Bren Events Center with a loss to California Baptist, 69-61, followed by a record night in a 130-63 win over Lincoln University on Monday. The win over Lincoln featured a first in program history as Derin Saran scored 20 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and dished out 10 assists for the first triple-double in UCI men's basketball history. In addition, the team re-broke their single-game assists record set the previous week with 40 team assists. They added 59 made field goals, and team and Bren record, 88 field goal attempts, a Bren record, and 71 second-half points to set an arena record.

• Women's basketball defeated San Diego, 72-54, in their season opener on Wednesday, Nov. 5. Senior transfer Jada Wynn and freshman Nohe'alani Stores led four Anteaters in double figures with 17 points each. The 'Eaters drew a crowd of 1,204 on their annual field trip day where they welcomed local elementary schools to the Bren for the 11 a.m. tip-off. UC Irvine then embarked on its first road trip, falling at Big 12 member Arizona on Sunday, Nov. 9. Hunter Hernandez finished with a season-high 23 points and eight rebounds. UCI stays on the road for a game at Idaho State tonight at 7 p.m. (MT), before returning home to host Northern Arizona in a 3:30 p.m. showdown on Saturday, Nov. 15.

• Men's soccer extended their season with a Big West Semifinal win over Cal Poly Saturday night in Anteater Stadium, 1-0. Joe O'Shaughnessy made three saves, and he and the defense delivered the team's ninth shutout of the season, and Gage Lyons connected with Misael Gonzalez Lopez to send in the game-winning goal in the 84th minute of play. The Anteaters are on to the Big West Final for an eighth time and the fifth time taking on UC Santa Barbara where they will play Friday, November 14, at 7:00 p.m. seeking a sixth Big West crown and eighth trip to the NCAA Tournament

• Men's soccer also learned their All-Big West honors last Tuesday with seven student-athletes recognized led by First-Teamers Misael Gonzalez Lopez, Agaton Pourshahidi, and Brady Treinen each taking home a second honor. Senior captain Nolan DiCenzo earned his first honor on the Second Team, and more first-timers earned Honorable Mention in Isaac Powell and Joe O'Shaughnessy in addition to defender Gustavo Gonzalez placing on the All-Freshman Team. The major award went to head coach Yossi Raz taking home Big West Coach of the Year honors for the third time in his eighth season with the Anteaters

• All-Big West awards were announced following the women's soccer regular season finale with Mia Colombini leading the way with Big West Midfielder of the Year honors, the second in program history. UCI also earned 10 spots on All-Big West teams to lead the conference. Colombini and Suus de Bakker were named to the First Team in addition to seven honorable mention - Laurynn Ziller, Ella Colombini, Ivy Williams, Mihaela Perez, Hailey Clingan, Trinity Morales, and Clara Samson. An Anteater also represented on the Big West All-Freshman Team in Fiona Shin.

• The women’s volleyball went 1-1 last week, sweeping UC Riverside and losing to league-leading UC Davis, 0-3. Against the Highlanders outside hitter Madison Triplett tied her career-best with a team-high 14 kills. She recorded her third career double-double with 14 digs, while adding two block assists and an ace in the win. UCI hit .301 (42-8-113), the second-best mark of the season. This week, UCI makes their final regular season road trip, traveling to CSUN Thursday (Nov. 13) and CSU Bakersfield Saturday (Nov. 15).

• Men's water polo (15-11, 2-3 Big West) upset No. 7 San Jose State, 11-9, in their Senior Day game on Sunday, Nov. 9. Johann Thrall led the Anteaters with three goals and an assist, while Luka Krstic and Wyley Dale each added two tallies. The 'Eaters will close out the regular season at LMU this Saturday (Nov. 15), before hosting the Big West Championships at Anteater Aquatics Complex, Nov. 21-23.

• UC Irvine cross country has 11 student-athletes (8 women, 3 men) traveling to Sacramento for Friday's NCAA West Regional at Haggin Oaks Golf Course. The women will kick off action with the 6K at 9 a.m., while the men are set to follow in the 10K at 10 a.m.

• Women's tennis wrapped up their Fall season with another two-tournament weekend splitting the squad between CSUN and Pomona-Pitzer. Sophomore Lindsay Kim led the squad going 4-0 in singles and a doubles win, and she was joined by freshman Sayuri Parandian going 2-0 and unbeaten in doubles including a doubles win with Kim as her partner. At Pomona-Pitzer, the 'Eaters took home 20 overall wins with 14 on the singles side. Bella Pitchford finished the weekend undefeated in singles and doubles to lead the squad.

• Men's tennis wrapped up their fall tournament slate at the ITA Sectional Championships and LMU Invite. At the ITA Sectionals, Hiroki Sakagawa advanced to the Round of 16 in singles, while he teamed up with Tal Goodman to reach the quarterfinals in doubles.

November 3, 2025

National Rankings
Men's Water Polo - No. 15
Men's Tennis - No. 7 (CTN Preseason Mid-Major)
Hiroki Sakagawa/Rohan Sachdev - No. 77 (ITA Men's Tennis Preseason Doubles)

• Men's basketball opens the regular season against Bethesda tonight (Nov. 3) at 7:00 p.m. in the Bren Events Center. UCI will celebrate the 2024-25 NIT run with a banner reveal before the starting lineup and a NIT pennant giveaway for fans. On Friday (Nov. 7), the Anteaters will face soon-to-be Big West member California Baptist at 7:30 p.m. NOTE THE 7:30 tip time.  Men's basketball was the Big West preseason pick to be No. 1 this season.

• Women's basketball is set to host the University of San Diego in their season opener on Wednesday, Nov. 5. It will be an early 11 a.m. tip-off as part of the Anteaters' annual Kids Day where local elementary schools fill the stands at the Bren Events Center.

• Men's soccer won a share of the Big West title with an entertaining 3-2 win over UC Riverside, the program's sixth Big West regular season title and third under head coach Yossi Raz. Marcus Lee scored twice in the second half to break a halftime tie. With the share of the title and three-way tie for first place, tiebreakers played out with the Anteaters earning the No. 2 seed and a bye to the Big West Semifinal. The 'Eaters will host the semifinal on Saturday, Nov. 8 at 6:00 p.m. against the winner of Cal Poly vs. UC San Diego in the Big West First Round.

• Women's soccer opened the week with a 2-0 win at Hawai'i thanks to goals from Mia Colombini putting her atop the Big West in goal scoring and Kelsey Swyney, her first career goal and point. The team's season would end on Sunday hosting UC Santa Barbara in the Big West First Round match with a 1-0 defeat. 

• All-Big West awards were announced following the regular season finale with Mia Colombini leading the way with Big West Midfielder of the Year honors, the second in program history. UCI also earned 10 spots on All-Big West teams to lead the conference. Colombini and Suus de Bakker were named to the First Team in addition to seven honorable mention - Laurynn Ziller, Ella Colombini, Ivy Williams, Mihaela Perez, Hailey Clingan, Trinity Morales, and Clara Samson. An Anteater also represented on the Big West All-Freshman Team in Fiona Shin.

• The women’s volleyball went 1-1 last week, sweeping UC San Diego and losing to Long Beach State, 0-3. Kendra Duffey led the Anteaters over the Tritons with 17 kills while middle blocker Sydnee Rowe had a career-high with 10 kills (10-0-17) to go with six total blocks (2 solo) versus The Beach. Libero Campbell Jensen moved into second all-time at UCI for digs with 1,777 and counting.

• This week, UCI entertains league-leading UC Davis Friday (Nov. 7) at 1:00 p.m. - Note 1:00 p.m. start time. The Anteaters will end the week hosting UC Riverside Saturday at 5:00 p.m. in the Bren Events Center.

• Men's water polo (14-10, 2-2 Big West) dropped a pair of close games to top-15 teams last week. In their Black & Blue Rivalry Game, the Anteaters fell to No. 9 Long Beach State, 13-12. Johann Thrall tied his career high with six goals. He added four tallies in a 12-10 non-conference loss at No. 13 Pepperdine. UCI has two matches this weekend, traveling to UC San Diego on Friday, Nov. 7, before hosting San Jose State in their final regular season home game two days later (Nov. 9). The 'Eaters will recognize their six seniors on Sunday.

• UC Irvine women's cross country claimed runner-up honors at the Big West Championships in Honolulu on Friday, Oct. 31. Junior Kaia Schmidt earned All-Big West honors with a fourth-place finish, covering the 6K course in 21:13.2. It is the fifth-straight year an Anteater has garnered all-conference distinction. Sophomore Juan Chantaca led the men's team in 23rd, completing the 8K race in 25:24.9. 

• Women's tennis had a busy fall weekend hosting the UCI Fall Invitational and playing at the Jack Kramer Classic in Rolling Hills Estates with 12 Anteaters in action. As a team, UCI went 14-4 in singles action at the UCI Fall Invitational with 3-0 weekends from Bella Pitchford, Mackenzie Lukin, and Ani Vanetsyan along with a flawless 9-0 record in doubles matches. At the Jack Kramer Classic, the quartet of Amanda Perez, Carolyna Fowler, Yen Nhi Huynh, and Haily Huynh competed against opponents from USC, UCLA, Fresno State, LMU, and Boise State to a 6-6 singles record. Perez went a 3-0 in her matches at No. 1. Huynh and Huynh came together for a 2-0 doubles record as UCI went 3-1 overall in doubles. The program wraps up with one final split squad weekend from Nov. 7-9 competing in tournaments at CSUN and Pomona-Pitzer.

• Men's tennis is back in action this week at the ITA Sectional Championships (Nov. 6-9), and the LMU Fall Invitational (Nov. 7-9).

October 27, 2025

National Rankings
Men's Water Polo - No. 16
Men's Tennis - No. 7 (CTN Preseason Mid-Major)
Hiroki Sakagawa/Rohan Sachdev - No. 77 (ITA Men's Tennis Preseason Doubles)

• Men's basketball will play its final exhibition game against 12th-ranked UCLA in Pauley Pavilion Tuesday (Oct. 28) before the first regular season game on November 3 in the Bren Events Center against Bethesda University.

• Men's soccer clinched a Big West Championship berth after a week where they won at home over UC Davis and drew on the road at UC Santa Barbara. Gage Lyons scored twice including the game-winner Wednesday to defeat UC Davis, 2-1, and Joe O'Shaughnessy made five saves for his seventh shutout Saturday in a scoreless draw. With one match remaining in the regular season, UCI is locked into a top-4 spot in the Big West standings guaranteeing to host a postseason match next week. UCI still has sights set on a Big West regular season title just two points behind Cal State Fullerton and UC Santa Barbara with a chance to leap over or draw even with them Saturday night when they host UC Riverside on Senior Night kicking off at 7:00 p.m.

• Women's soccer secured a Big West Championship spot for the fifth straight season after draws at Cal State Fullerton, 0-0, and vs. UC San Diego, 1-1, last week. One match remains on Thursday with a trip to play Hawai'i kicking off at 9:00 p.m. A UC Irvine win could land them a home match in the Big West First Round which kicks off Sunday, November 2

• The women’s volleyball team made quick work of Hawaii and Cal State Fullerton last week, sweeping both opponents, 3-0. It is the third consecutive victory against the Rainbow Wahine and fourth all-time.

• The Anteaters hit .317 versus Hawaii, the best hitting percentage this season then posted a .282 clip versus the Titans which was tied for the third best mark this season. The squad was as good on defense as offense, recording 11 blocks in each match. Nicole Feliciano was named Big West Setter of the Week, while libero Campbell Jensen was honored as Big West Defensive Player of the Week.

• The 16th-ranked men's water polo team (14-8, 2-1 Big West) won its second-straight Big West contest, defeating Cal State Fullerton on the road, 15-7. Johann Thrall led the offense with four goals, while goalkeeper Zayd Mahmoud finished with a season-high 13 saves. The Anteaters have a key conference match-up on Thursday, Oct. 30, when they host Big West-leading Long Beach State (13-8, 3-0 Big West) in a Black & Blue Rivalry game. UCI will also head to Malibu for a non-conference showdown at No. 9 Pepperdine on Saturday.

• The Big West Men's and Women's Cross Country Championship is slated for Friday morning at Queen Kapi'olani Regional Park in Honolulu. The men kick things off with the 8K race at 7:30 a.m. HT/10:30 a.m. PT, while the women follow with the 6K at 8:30 a.m. HT/11:30 a.m. PT. Juan Chantaca and Kaia Schmidt have both been named the Big West Athlete of the Week twice this season. Chantaca broke the 8K school record with a time of 23:38.4 at the UCR Invitational. At the same meet, Schmidt clocked UCI's eighth-fastest 6K at 20:38.4.

• Women's tennis makes their home debut this week, hosting the UCI Fall Invitational, Oct. 30-Nov. 1. The Anteaters will square off against UC Riverside, Biola, and Cal State Los Angeles in a hidden dual format.

• Men's golf starts their final tournament of the fall season in Lahaina, Maui. Rei Harashima, Owen Davis-Piger, Jason Tang, Tommy Lin, and Kody Li comprise UCI's 5-count-4 lineup that is part of a competitive field at the Ka'anapali Classic (Oct. 27-29) that features 10 teams ranked among the top-100 in the nation.

October 20, 2025

National Rankings
Men's Water Polo - No. 16
Men's Tennis - No. 7 (CTN Preseason Mid-Major)
Hiroki Sakagawa/Rohan Sachdev - No. 77 (ITA Men's Tennis Preseason Doubles)

• Men's basketball started their 2025-26 season with an exhibition game Sunday welcoming in Big XII foe Arizona State. Derin Saran led a second-half comeback with 27 points and 11 rebounds as the ‘Eaters took the lead with 3:26 left in the game and never looked back for a 72-68 victory in the Bren Events Center. Still ahead of coach Turner’s crew is one final exhibition match-up in Pauley Pavilion against the 12th-ranked UCLA Bruins coming up on October 28 before the first regular season game on November 3 in the Bren against Bethesda University.

• Men's soccer jumped right back into the Big West race with two shutout victories - 1-0 at home over CSUN and 3-0 up at Sacramento State. Joe O'Shaughnessy was in net for each scoring his fifth and sixth shutout of the season needing only two saves. Misael Gonzalez Lopez kicked in his team-high sixth goal for the game-winner Wednesday, and Cristian Gallo scored his first career goal as the game-winner Saturday adding all goals by freshman Zac Smuck and senior Agaton Pourshahidi in the win. Another pivotal week awaits with UC Irvine hosting UC Davis Wednesday before a trip to UC Santa Barbara Saturday with postseason hopes on the horizon and the quest for a regular season title still in reach

• Women's soccer took two Big West title contenders at home last week splitting their meetings. The week began Thursday with a 2-0 win over conference leaders UC Santa Barbara on goals from fifth-year defenders Mihaela Perez and Suus de Bakker. Sunday was a 2-1 loss to Cal Poly setting the 'Eaters back as Cal Poly hurdled UCI in the standings. UC Irvine is 4-2-1 with 13 points sitting in a tie for third in the Big West as they battle with fellow third-place squad Cal State Fullerton Thursday on the road before the regular season home finale Sunday afternoon against UC San Diego

•  Women’s golf completed the Fall schedule with a third place finish at the Golf Iconic Classic, posting a three-day score of 859 (284-279-296). The 54-hole score of 859 ranks third best in the UCI record book, while the second round total of 279 is a new school record. The Anteaters had three players in the Top 15: Katelyn Kong (T8th), Jenny Chang (T13) and Katherine Gerbing (T15). 

• The 16th-ranked men's water polo team (13-8, 1-1 Big West) upset No. 10 UC Santa Barbara on the road, 10-9, for their first Big West victory of the season. Ethan Spoon broke an 8-8 tie in the fourth quarter, while Cole Francisco widened the lead at 10-8 with 3:29 remaining. UCI locked down defensively, allowing just one goal the rest of the way for the win. The Anteaters continue conference action with one game this week as they make the short trip to Cal State Fullerton for a 6 p.m. showdown on Friday, Oct. 24.

•  Women’s volleyball will play a pair of important matches this week, hosting Hawaii Tuesday (Oct. 21) at the Bren Events Center before traveling to Cal State Fullerton Thursday (Oct. 23) at Titan Gym. Both matches begin at 6:00 p.m. This will be the lone match of the season against Hawaii and the last in the regular season as the Rainbow Wahine will play in the Mountain West Conference next year.

• Senior Nicole Contreras led six UC Irvine women's cross country runners at the Highlander Invitational on Saturday, Oct. 18. Contreras finished 12th out of 258 with an 18-second personal-record 20:53.2. It was the Anteaters' third-fastest 6K of the season. UCI is idle this week before heading to Honolulu for the Big West Championships next Friday, Oct. 31.

• Men's tennis had a strong showing at the ITA Southwest Regional Championships in Tempe, Arizona, Oct. 16-19. Mason Bui and Nathaniel Suh highlighted doubles action as they advanced to the Round of 16. The Anteater duo won their first two matches, including an upset of Pepperdine's seventh-seeded pairing. In singles,  UCI had three individuals make it out of qualifying into the main draw where they joined teammates Hiroki Sakagawa and Tal Goodman. 

• Women's tennis competed at the ITA Southwest Regional Championships and Triton Invitational in San Diego last week (Oct. 16-18). The Anteaters were dominant at the Triton Invitational where they went 10-1 in singles and 7-3 in doubles. They will be off this weekend before hosting the UCI Fall Invitational, Oct. 30-Nov. 1.

• Men's golf had a season-best ninth-place finish at the Oregon State Invitational, Oct. 14-15. Rei Harashima and Jason Tang led the way in a tie for 21st.
 

October 14, 2025

National Rankings
Men's Water Polo - No. 19
Men's Tennis - No. 7 (CTN Preseason Mid-Major)
Hiroki Sakagawa/Rohan Sachdev - No. 77 (ITA Men's Tennis Preseason Doubles)

• Men's basketball started their 2025-26 season with an exhibition game Sunday welcoming in Big XII foe Arizona State. Derin Saran led a second-half comeback with 27 points and 11 rebounds as the ‘Eaters took the lead with 3:26 left in the game and never looked back for a 72-68 victory in the Bren Events Center. Still ahead of coach Turner’s crew is one final exhibition match-up in Pauley Pavilion against the 12th-ranked UCLA Bruins coming up on October 28 before the first regular season game on November 3 in the Bren against Bethesda University.

• Women's soccer enjoyed a week off and is revitalized heading into a big week in Anteater Stadium. UCI hosts last year's Big West Championship winners UC Santa Barbara Thursday night as they currently sit in a tie for first place. Saturday, the ‘Eaters welcome in Cal Poly who is tied with the them in third place. UC Irvine entered their bye week on 10 points tied for first place, and now return to action just one point behind the Big West leaders with five matches left in the regular season holding an overall record of 6-3-5

• Men's soccer set a program record with two more ties last week for a UC Irvine record four consecutive ties. The ‘Eaters are 5-3-5 overall as they head into a Wednesday night matchup with CSUN in Anteater Stadium before embarking on a Northern California trip to Sacramento State on Saturday. UCI has four points through four Big West matches looking to climb the Big West standings with five matches to go.

•  Women’s golf posted a school record score of 279 on the second round of the Golf Iconic Classic on the New Mexico State Golf Course. The score betters the former mark of 282 set in 2021 on the first round of the Big West Championship. Sophomores HaYoung Lee and Katherine Gerbing led the Anteaters with a 68 and 69 respectively. 

• The 19th-ranked men's water polo team (12-7, 0-1 Big West) dropped its Big West opener to No. 9 UC Davis, 15-12, last Friday. It was the Anteaters' first regular-season conference loss since Oct. 13, 2023. UCI is back at Anteater Aquatics Complex on Wednesday, Oct. 15, when it hosts No. 13 Princeton at 6 p.m. The 'Eaters will then resume Big West action at No. 12 UC Santa Barbara on Saturday, Oct. 18.

• Junior Kaia Schmidt was named the Big West Women's Cross Country Athlete of the Week after leading the Anteaters at the Bill Dellinger Invitational on Friday, Oct. 10. Schmidt placed among the top-15 in a competitive field that featured seven regionally-ranked teams. For the second meet in a row, she was the top Big West finisher, coming in fourth with a time of 20:43.97. Six UCI women will be in action this Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Highlander Invitational in Riverside.

•  Women’s volleyball heads to the central coast this weekend, visiting Cal Poly Friday (Oct. 17) and UC Santa Barbara Saturday (Oct. 18). UCI had four players with double-digit kills in a 3-1 win over CSUN with three collecting career-highs. Senior Kendra Duffey led the Anteaters with a career-tying 18 kills followed by career-bests by middle blocker Ally Bolden (13) and Madison Triplett (11). 

• Men's tennis continues its fall tournament season with a trip to Tempe, Arizona, for the ITA Southwest Regional Championships, Oct. 16-21. The two singles finalists and the doubles champion will punch their ticket to the NCAA Individual Championships.

• Women's tennis will also be in action at the ITA Southwest Regional Championships in San Diego (Oct. 16-21) and the Triton Invitational in La Jolla (Oct. 16-18) this week. The two singles finalists and the doubles champion from the regional event will punch their ticket to the NCAA Individual Championships.

• Men's golf is part of the 15-team field at the Oregon State Invitational (Oct. 14-15). The Anteaters will be looking to defend their team title after winning the event last year.

• Women’s golf is competing at the Marilyn Smith Sunflower Invitational Monday and Tuesday (Oct. 6-7) at the Lawrence Country Club in Lawrence, Kansas.

• Last week, UCI finished in a tie for third at the Molly Collegiate Invitational with a score 887 (296-298-293).  The Anteaters’ 293, the lowest score on the final round led by Katherine Gerbing’s 70. Katelyn Kong was the top Anteater finishing fourth with a 54-hole total of 218 (73-72-73).

October 6, 2025

National Rankings
Men's Water Polo - No. 13
Men's Tennis - No. 7 (CTN Preseason Mid-Major)
Hiroki Sakagawa/Rohan Sachdev - No. 77 (ITA Men's Tennis Preseason Doubles)

• Women's soccer scored a win and draw in two Big West matches taking four total points. Through five conference matches, the Anteaters are tied for first place in the Big West earning 10 out of 15 possible points. UCI got a two-goal game from fifth-year defender Suus de Bakker en route to a 2-0 Thursday night win over UC Davis. Sunday night at Black and Blue rival Long Beach State ended in a 1-1 draw from a Mia Colombini equalizer in the 28th minute, her team-leading fifth goal of the season. The Anteaters are off all week as the Big West churns around them with the next action home matches October 16 vs. UC Santa Barbara and October 19 vs. Cal Poly

• Men's soccer began Big West season last week with a pair of matches in Anteater Stadium both playing out in 1-1 ties against UC San Diego and Cal Poly. Misael Gonzalez Lopez buried his Big West-leading fifth goal just before halftime Wednesday for the lead as UCI gave up an own goal in the second half to UCSD. Saturday's match saw UCI fall behind on a penalty kick, but Agaton Pourshahidi's equalizer later in the first half drew the match level against last year's Big West regular season champions, Cal Poly. Up next is a road week for the 'Eaters that find themselves with some catch-up earning just two points to start conference play. UCI will be at Cal State Bakersfield Wednesday for a 10:30 a.m. kickoff against the 2-0 Roadrunners, and the week closes Saturday night at rival Cal State Fullerton for a 7:00 p.m. kickoff.

• The 13th-ranked men's water polo team (12-6) split a pair of games last Friday, Oct. 3, at the Gary Troyer Invitational in Claremont. The Anteaters started the day with a 21-10 win over Wagner. Wyley Dale scored a career-high six goals, while Jack Stevens added a career-best five. Johann Thrall also notched three goals and four assists. Zayd Mahmoud anchored the defensive effort with 11 saves. In their second game, the 'Eaters fell to tournament host and 19th-ranked Claremont-Mudd-Scripps, 12-11. UCI returns to Anteater Aquatics Complex to host UC Davis in its Big West opener at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 10.

• Women’s volleyball hosts two matches this week at the Bren Events Center. The Anteaters will entertain CSU Bakersfield Friday at 6:00 p.m. then CSUN on Saturday at 5:00 p.m.

• Senior Campbell Jensen averaged an amazing 7.29 digs per set last week. After starting the week with 21 digs versus UC Riverside, Jensen had a season-high 30 digs against UC Davis, which are currently tied for 14th most in the country in a four-set match.

• Men's tennis opened their fall tournament season at the Big West Fall Invite last week. Max Fardanesh defeated UC Santa Barbara's Diogo Morais, who was 122nd in the final 2025 ITA Singles Rankings, 4-6, 7-6 (5), 6-3 in the quarterfinals. Fardanesh dropped the first set and was down 6-5 (40-0) before saving four match points to break serve and force a tiebreaker. He came up short in the semifinals then won the third-place match. Sohrob Amiryavari also made it to the quarterfinals, and ended up taking sixth overall. Fardanesh/Ruining Huang went 2-1 in doubles, falling in the semis.

• Women's tennis kicked off their fall tournament season at the Big West Fall Selection Event in La Jolla. Haily Huynh, Carolyna Fowler, and Maily Huynh all won their Round of 64 singles matches in the main draw. Quin Brady/Amanda Perez and Yen Nhi Huynh/Maily Huynh also advanced to the Round of 16 in doubles.

• Men's and women's cross country head to Springfield, Oregon, for the Bill Dellinger Invitational on Friday, Oct. 10. Juan Chantaca and Kaia Schmidt swept the Big West Cross Country Athlete of the Week awards after their last outing at the UCR Invitational (Sept. 27).

• Men's golf is back in action at the Visit Stockton Pacific Invitational, Oct. 9-11.

• Women’s golf is competing at the Marilyn Smith Sunflower Invitational Monday and Tuesday (Oct. 6-7) at the Lawrence Country Club in Lawrence, Kansas.

• Last week, UCI finished in a tie for third at the Molly Collegiate Invitational with a score 887 (296-298-293).  The Anteaters’ 293, the lowest score on the final round led by Katherine Gerbing’s 70. Katelyn Kong was the top Anteater finishing fourth with a 54-hole total of 218 (73-72-73).

September 29, 2025

National Rankings
Men's Water Polo - No. 15
Men's Soccer - Receiving Votes

• Women's soccer went 1-1 last week as Big West play continued on. The week closed on a 1-0 victory at Cal State Bakersfield to hand them their first home loss thanks to a great play by Trinity Morales setting up Mia Colombini's goal in the 17th minute, and Laurynn Ziller stopping two shots for the team's six shutout of the season. UCI is up to six points in three Big West matches currently putting them in second place in the standings. Another challenge week ahead with UCI hosting UC Davis Thursday night in Anteater Stadium before a trip to Long Beach State for a rivalry matchup Sunday, October 5

• Men's soccer finished non-conference play last week with a record of 5-3-1. The ‘Eaters are led by the defense and Joe O’Shaughnessy in goal and his 0.82 goals-against-average. On the agenda is a week in Anteater Stadium hosting UC San Diego Wednesday, October 1, followed by a Saturday night meeting with the defending Big West champions Cal Poly in Anteater Stadium.

• The 15th-ranked men's water polo team went 4-0 at The Joust in Riverside, defeating Concordia (17-10), No. 14 California Baptist (17-11), Occidental College (23-7), and Biola (16-7). Sophomore Ethan Spoon led the Anteaters to a season-high 23 goals with a career-best six tallies against Oxy. This week, the 'Eaters will head to Claremont for two games at the Gary Troyer Invitational on Friday, Oct. 3. It will be their final tune-up before their Big West opener.

• Women’s Volleyball is on the road this week, traveling to UC Riverside Thursday (Oct. 2) at 5:00 p.m. then on to UC Davis Saturday (Oct. 4) at 1:00 p.m. 

• The Anteaters (5-8, 0-2) recorded a Big West season-high tying 18 blocks versus UC San Diego last Saturday. Freshman Abby Pekrul and graduate student Sydnee Rowe each totaled a career-high seven total blocks against the Tritons.

• Sophomore Juan Chantaca ran an 8K school-record 23:38.4 to finish fourth out of 224 at the UCR Invitational. Chantaca, who improved his PR by 13 seconds, beat UC Irvine's previous standard of 23:47.0. Juniors Kaia Schmidt and Emma Hadley led the Anteater women to a third-place showing in the UCR Invitational 6K. Schmidt came in seventh in a personal-record 20:38.4, while Hadley was 11th (20:47.6). Schmidt moved up one spot to No. 8 in program history, while Hadley's time ranks 10th among UCI's all-time leaders.

• Men's golf kicks off the season this week at the Mark Simpson Colorado Invitational, Sept. 29-30. The fall tournament season for men's and women's tennis also starts with the Big West Fall Qualifier, Oct. 2-5. The Anteater men have individuals set to compete at the San Diego Veterans Tennis Classic (Oct. 3-5) as well.

• Women's golf competes at the Molly Collegiate Invitational Monday and Tuesday (Sept. 29-30) at the Trysting Tree Golf Golf Course in Corvallis, Ore.

• The Anteaters opened the season in a tie for 7th place at the Golfweek Red Sky Classic. Graduate student Jenny Chang had a career-low 69 on the second round and led UCI finishing in a tie for 25th place (217).

September 15, 2025

National Rankings
Men's Soccer - No. 22
Men's Water Polo - No. 8

• UC Irvine men's soccer has started the season out hot with five wins and one tie in their six-match stretch in Anteater Stadium including wins over UCLA (2-0), Cornell (1-0), Yale (1-0), and North Florida (3-0). The run has vaulted the ‘Eaters into the national rankings for the first time since 2019 at No. 22 as of last week. UCI has claimed a pair of weekly awards as well with Big West Offensive Player of the Week honors going to redshirt junior Isaac Powell and senior Misael Gonzalez Lopez. Gonzalez Lopez has netted four goals to lead the team in goals and points as the Anteaters' 12 goals are tops in the Big West. The Anteaters’ strength has been its defense allowing one goal through its first six matches led by sophomore goalkeeper Joe O'Shaughnessy helping in all five shutout wins.

• Women's soccer scoring a big win to close out non-conference play Sunday topping Washington State, 2-0. Clara Samson scored the game-winner right out of the halftime break and fifth-year senior Suus de Bakker headed home the dagger in the 82nd minute. UCI's stern defense has carried them to a 3-2-4 mark through the first half of the season allowing a grand total of four goals while earning wins over programs like Grand Canyon and San Francisco and drawing with Washington, Northern Arizona, and San Diego.

• The eighth-ranked men's water polo team is 6-2 after No. 1 UCLA and No. 2 USC handed UC Irvine its first two losses of the season last week. The Anteaters head to the MPSF Invitational this weekend, which will be held at UCLA's Spieker Aquatics Center and USC's Uytengsu Aquatics Center, Sept. 19-21. Senior Luka Krstic leads the UCI offense with a team-high 15 goals on the season, while senior Zayd Mahmoud has seen most of the action in the cage, compiling 51 saves and an 11.20 goals against average.

• Redshirt freshman women's volleyball player Jessica Bates made her season debut last weekend at Oregon State’s Asics Invitational and was impressive in UCI’s victory over Montana State doing what only a handful of players in the NCAA have done this season - posting a triple-double. She recorded a career-high 13 kills and 10 digs to go with 11 set assists. Bates is the first Big West player to record the feat since Nov. 11, 2023.

The team remains on the road for a three-match swing in Nashville, Tenn. The Anteaters will take on Lipscomb Thursday (Sept. 17), Vanderbilt on Friday (Sept. 18) and Belmont on Saturday (Sept. 20) before opening Big West play hosting Long Beach State at the Bren Events Center Sept. 26.

• Men's and women's cross country are idle this week after opening the season with victories at the Vanguard Invitational on Sept. 6. The Anteater women took home the team title with a perfect score of 15 points. Sophomore Liana Lee led the way, winning the 5K in a personal and meet-record 17:43.4. On the men's side, sophomore Juan Chantaca led the ‘Eaters to their first team victory since 2017. Chantaca finished ahead of the pack in an 8K meet-record 24:05.8. He was named the Big West Men’s Cross Country Athlete of the Week on Sept. 9.