Gauchos finish ninth at Triton Invite with win over UC Davis

By ERIC BOOSE UCSB SPORTS

The 16th-ranked UCSB women’s water polo team ended their run at this weekend’s Triton Invitational with a solid victory against UC Davis to finish ninth overall. In another tight match, the Gauchos sent a message to the Aggies and the Big West: they

SY boys basketball defeats Orcutt Academy

The Santa Ynez boys basketball team won over Orcutt Academy on Friday, defeating their opponents by a score of 83-45.

Santa Ynez was led by Jackson Ollenburger’s 28 points and ten assists. Two other Pirates managed double-doubles, with Landon Lassahn adding 20 points and ten rebounds and Caleb Cassidy contributing 15 points and 17 rebounds.

SY boys soccer beats Morro Bay

The Santa Ynez boys soccer team defeated Morro Bay on Saturday, winning by a score of 2-1.

Santa Ynez’ goals were scored by Erik Salinas and Braeden Melville, with assists credited to Aiden Tapia and Spencer Silverman.

Providing a standout defensive performance for Santa Ynez was Jeison Plascencia.

“Happy we got the win tonight,” said Plascencia. “Everyone gave it their all. Playing alongside my teammates is always really fun.”

- Compiled by Matt Smolensky won’t be brought down easily.

Sunday’s victory earned UCSB a second ninth-place finish in as many Triton Invitationals, and improves their record to 11-3 as they move closer to conference play in The Big West.

Once again, a myriad of Gauchos took offensive initiative in order to secure Sunday’s victory over UC Davis. Six players managed to notch a goal each across the board, while the team at large was able to hold off the Aggies defensively. UCSB held their own in the first quarter, but managed to garner momentum and bare their teeth in the second quarter, securing a twogoal lead over UC Davis which they extended to a three-goal lead in the third. Despite a comeback attempt from the Aggies as the clock began to dwindle, the Gauchos held down the fort and ended their tournament run on a victorious note.

The Gauchos are set to hit the road again at the end of the month for the Barbara Kalbus Invitational, hosted by UC Irvine. The tournament is set to kick off on Friday, Feb. 24, and run until Sunday the Feb. 26. Match times are still to be announced.

Eric Boose writes about sports for UCSB. email: sports@newspress.com