Sports

After losing five games in a row to end December,UC Davis was reminded by coach Sandy Simpson that with Sunday came the beginning of Big West Conference play and a new season. The team started off its new campaign and thenew yearin commanding fashion,downing Cal State Northridge86-66in its conference opener to give Simpson his200th career victory.

Baseball UC Davis junior Ty Kelly has been named to the Preseason All-Ping Baseball Team.Kelly,a native of Tracy,Calif.,received third-team accolades as a third baseman and was one of just five third basemen to be named to the teams.

Gary Stewart had seen enough. After the UC Davis men’s basketball coach saw the Aggies give up a season-high95points in a loss to Loyola on Dec.21,Stewart had a message for his team:You’re not going to win games at the Division I level by trading baskets.

The conversational exchange has become an unofficial preseason tradition.Before every year,UC Davis men’s basketball head coach Gary Stewart is asked by the media what his team’s goals are for the upcoming season.

After playing one of its best games of the season in a73-59loss at home against Arizona State on Dec.3,UC Davis began its winter break with five straight road games. “Against Arizona State,we had one of our best performances of the year,“ saidhead coachSandy Simpson. “We played even with them and in some parts even outplayed them.“

After the Aggies upset No.10Northwestern at home,they took to the mat in two big national tournaments in Las Vegas and Reno over the winter break.They also hosted conference rival Portland State at home.The Aggies had an impressive showing at the Las Vegas Invite,finishing20th out of44with Orozco placing fifth in his class.A week later the Aggies hosted Portland State at Hickey Gym,winning in convincing manner,28-15.

Name:Keala Peterson Year:Freshman Position:Outside hitter Hometown:Sebastopol,Calif.

Year:Senior Position:Midfielder Hometown:Pleasanton,Calif.

Name:John Faletoese Year:Senior Position:Defensive tackle Hometown:Carmichael,Calif.

Name:Kaitlin Gregg Year:Senior Hometown:Davis

Name:Renee Ibekwe Year:Senior Position:Outside hitter Hometown:Carson,Calif.

Name:Grant Muenter Year:Senior Position:Driver