Men’s sports action from April 7 to 12
Baseball (19-10-1):
UC Davis vs. Saint Mary’s (W, 11-2)
UC Davis @ Hawai’i (L, L, L, W)
Baseball (20-13-1):
UC Davis vs. Sacramento State (L, 4-2)
UC Davis vs. CSU Fullerton (W, L, L)
UC Davis baseball started off Big West play with a sweep of UC Riverside, a part of a seven game winning streak that included four straight at home. Since then, the Aggies have gone a lowly 2-6, including three straight losses to Hawai’i. UC Davis was visited by Sac State for one game, losing 2-4 after allowing two runs in the last two innings. Ten hits, including three by senior catcher Izaak Silva, wasn’t enough to get the offense up and running.
With CSU Fullerton, currently second in Big West standings, in town, the Aggies were able to steal the series opener before falling in two straight. The first game was a low scoring affair, with UC Davis holding their opponent to two runs. The next two matchups, however, saw the Titans score 10 and 13 points while the Aggies were able to muster only 4.5 runs per game.
The Aggies will have one more game at home, against University of San Francisco, before heading to UC Irvine for a three game stretch.
Golf:
El Macero Classic (1 of 9)
Back on their home turf, the Aggies looked comfortable as they held first place for the entirety of the El Macero Classic. Junior Luke Vivolo was the driving force behind the UC Davis victory, finishing No. 1 individually. On the first day, Vivolo shot a 5-under 67 for the lead, four strokes ahead of two teammates who finished tied for No. 8.
The junior continued to play well in his second round, carding a 6-under 66 while no other teammate shot under a 73. Vivolo struggled on Sunday, finding himself as high as 5-over before finishing strong with a 1-over 73. Junior Patrick Soli added a No. 8 finish after shooting a 1-over 73 on the final day. The Aggies won the event by 10 strokes, setting themselves up nicely for the Big West Championships on April 26 – 28.
Tennis (15-4):
UC Davis vs. Cal Poly (W, 5-2)
UC Davis vs. UC Santa Barbara (W, 4-3)
UC Davis men’s tennis is on a roll this season, finishing undefeated at home after beating Cal Poly and UC Santa Barbara. The Aggies, currently ranked No. 68 in the nation, upset the visiting No. 49 Mustangs after scoring the doubles point and winning all but two of the singles matches. Sophomores James Wade and Bryce McKelvie were each able to score two victories after winning both their singles and doubles play.
With the No. 65 Gauchos in town, the Aggies were able defeat another higher ranked opponent. UC Davis swept doubles play and won the top two singles matches, but needed a three set win by freshman Everett Maltby to take home the win. The Aggies have now played their final home matches of the season and will face two opponents on the road before heading to Indian Wells, Calif., for the Big West Tournament.
Track and Field:
Arizona State Sun Angel Classic (No team scores)
After a busy week that included three separate invitational meets, the Aggies headed to Arizona to soak up the sun and compete in the Arizona State Sun Angle Classic. Several UC Davis athletes had notable finishes during the weekend against the high level competition present. Senior Nathan Strum finished in fourth in the 800-meter premiere race while junior Jason Chandler added a No. 9 individual finish in the 400-meter hurdles.
Junior Matthew Bender finished within the top-10 in the discus and hammer throw, placing No. 9 and 4 respectively. Senior Brandon Greenberg added a ninth place finish in the premier shot put.
The Aggies will once again split up, taking on the Azusa Pacific Brian Clay Invitational and the Mt. SAC Relays on April 16-18.
Graphic by Andrew Li.
