Headline: Women’s Tennis Preview

Teams: UC Davis at Stanford

Records: Aggies, 0-2; Cardinals, 0-0

Where: Taube Tennis Stadium – Palo Alto, Calif.

When: Today at 3 p.m.

Who to watch: Lone senior and North Hollywood, Calif. native Desiree Stone received high praise from coach Bill Maze in a three-set loss against Arizona on Jan. 24.

Maze called her serve the strongest on the team.

Did you know? Dahra Zamudio was the only Aggie to defeat the Cardinal in the ITA Regional Championships on Oct. 23. The Villa Park High School graduate won the singles matchup in the round of 128 against Natalie Dillon, 7-5, 6-1.

Preview: For the Aggies, preparing for a team that has won 15 nationals titles – the last in 2006 – feels like pushing a car uphill with the emergency break on.

Their opponent, the No. 13 Cardinals has induced a “nothing to lose” attitude from coach Maze. This, however, doesn’t mean he’s already accepting defeat.

“We play the best when we have fun,” Maze said. “It always feels good when we play our best. I have no doubt we’ll go hard. Our players are looking forward to it.”

Maze believes the team’s most valuable weapon is Stone. Her experience and devastating serve gives her an opportunity to pick up a win in singles play today.

“I think Desiree is an amazing player,” Maze said. “If she’s on her game and confident, she has a shot. She can play with players on that skill level.”

The team’s rapid improvement in singles matchups this year has caught the attention of both Maze and assistant coach Ally Muller.

“We have improved in singles play,” Maze said. “We won a couple of sets against Arizona. We’re really moving in the right direction.”

If nothing else, the Cardinal will give the Aggies a difficult test before they come back home for three of their next four dual matches.

Maze said playing a team of Stanford’s caliber on the road will make adjustments on their home court that much easier.

“It will prepare us for home games,” Maze said. “It can give us confidence to play a great team before we play a team that is not quite as good.”

A sound performance at Stanford would provide the momentum needed when the Aggies return for a favorable matchup against San Francisco.

– Marcos Rodriguez

UC Davis women’s basketball coach Sandy Simpson emphasizes two things: 1) winning at home, and 2) holding service on the road.

By beating UC Riverside 54-50 on Thursday at the Pavilion, UC Davis maintained its top spot in the Big West Conference standings with a 6-1 overall record and 3-0 mark at home.

“We’ve done what we’re supposed to do and that is win at home,” Simpson said.

Now the Aggies have to abide by the second part of Simpson’s mantra.

It will not be an easy task. UC Davis enters what could be one of the toughest stretches of games this season – a three-game road swing beginning at second-place Cal Poly.

“You win this league on the road,” said Simpson. “We have a chance to do it now. We don’t have to make up for a home loss by winning on the road. We just have to pick off a couple of those games on the road. If we do, we’re going to be in pretty good shape.”

After the battle with the Mustangs, the Aggies will travel to play defending Big West champion UC Santa Barbara.

That doesn’t bother the Aggies, though.

“This group of girls isn’t fazed by that,” said sophomore Kasey Riecks. “I feel like we’re a strong unit with each other and we bring a lot of energy with us.”

Junior Paige Mintun says it in a much simpler manner, calling the Aggies “road warriors.”

That moniker will be tested. The Aggies not only have to deal with these teams away from the Pavilion, but they also have to take the best shot each opponent has to offer.

“Every game now is so exciting,” Mintun said. “We’re number one in the Big West so we’ve got this target on our back. Everyone is going to have a little extra oomph when they play us.”

The Aggies will look to counteract their opponents’ efforts by doing what they’ve been doing all year – staying close as a team and calm toward the end of games.

“We’re such a tight knit team that it doesn’t matter what gym we play in,” Mintun said. “As long as I have my girls next to me, it feels at home. We huddle together as much as we can. It calms you down. When we play calm is when we play best.”

For Simpson, togetherness is key. However, he emphasizes calmness down the stretch.

“When we’re in games late,” Simpson said, “we’re really calm in the timeout huddles. Some teams are hoping things are going to end up okay. This team expects it. Down the stretch you really have to believe you can win.”

Belief in their own abilities may carry the Aggies the rest of the way, as momentum will likely switch back to the home team during these next two contests.

“Conventional wisdom says the edge goes back to the home team in the rematch,” Simpson said. “We will step on the court ready to play. In this league, you can go from a five-game winning streak to a four-game losing streak. Anybody can get you. We have to be ready next week.”

Despite these challenges, UC Davis has proven itself to be worthy of its top spot in the conference. They’ve dispatched second-place Cal Poly and third-place UC Riverside as well as UCSB at home.

The Aggies have also shown they can win almost any style of game – whether it’s a blowout (UC Irvine), an overtime thriller (Pacific) or a game with 65 combined turnovers (also Pacific).

“[It’s good] knowing we don’t have to be on a total roll to win,” Simpson said. “We’re playing well in some and so-so in others and are still finding a way to win. If we play well, we’re probably going to win.”

For the Aggies, playing at a high level and dictating the game is still the main concern.

“You play to your own standards,” Simpson said. “You don’t allow your opponent to dictate how you play. You develop certain habits and you practice those habits game in and game out.

“Regardless of your competition, you do what you’re supposed to do. If you do and you’re good enough, you’re going to win most games.”

MAX ROSENBLUM is looking at the Aggies’ remaining schedule. Their final two games are at home. If a No. 1 seed is on the line, be prepared for a Thrilla in the Pavila – and a campout. Contact him at sports@theaggie.org.

UC Davis went into the weekend looking for its first Pacific-10 Conference win of the season. It came through on Friday night, taking care of Cal State Fullerton in a close one.

The Aggies edged the Titans 23-20 in front of a home crowd at the Pavilion. The victory was also the Aggies’ first home win of the season.

Trevor Machado-Ching got things started early, earning the first win for UC Davis at the 157 slot. Joey Wilson kept it going with a 14-5 major decision over Sam Silva at 165. Cal State Fullerton came right back with two victories of its own, getting a decision at 174 and a fall at 184.

The Aggies then won four of the last six duals to fend off the Titans for a narrow three-point victory. Ricky Alcala, Brandon Low and Barrett Abel – each ranked No. 15 in the country in their respective weight classes – earned wins for UC Davis.

The final bout decided the dual. The Aggies were down 20-19 going into Abel’s matchup at 149. He dominated the final dual, earning a 15-4 major decision over Nick Jordan.

UC Davis had a tougher time on Saturday, though, as No. 10 Boise State earned a 30-13 win.

The match started in the Aggies favor with a forfeit by the Broncos at 197, giving the Aggies a quick six-point lead. Things continued to go the Aggies way when Alcala earned a decision to give the Aggies a 9-0 lead. The Aggies dropped the next bout, but quickly recovered with a 15-6 major decision by Low at the 133 slot.

The Aggies’ lead of 13-3 would not stand, though. The Broncos won the next six duals in dominating fashion, with three major decisions and a fall.

“It’s never fun to get beat like that and hopefully we can improve a little before conference,” coach Lennie Zalesky said. “It’s always good to see a quality team like Boise State and we’ll learn from that.”

The Aggies next chance to improve comes this weekend when they will face San Francisco State and Stanford on Friday and Saturday, respectively.

KYLE HYLAND can be reached at sports@theaggie.org.

The UC Davis track and field squad wasted no time setting records this weekend at the Washington Husky Indoor Invitational in Seattle, Wash.

In the first competitive meet of the season, 14 different Aggies posted school records, highlighted by junior Jonathan Peterson’s time of 8:11.52 in the 3,000-meter race, breaking his previously held mark of 8:13.90.

“It was a very good meet and one of the better openers I have seen in a long time,” said men’s coach Jon Vochatzer. “Everyone there competed very well.”

Junior Thomas Phillips came in third in the 400-meter race with a time of 48.47, another school record.

“[Phillips] had just a really fine race,” Jon Vochatzer said.

Polly Gnepa tied his school record in the 60-meter hurdles coming in third-place, maintaining his time of 8.03.

In field events, Igor Seriba took first in the triple jump with total of 49-6.25.

On the women’s side, freshman Melanise Chapman set a school record in her first time competing with the Aggies. Chapman marked the 200-meter race with a time of 25.40 and came close to setting a school record in the 60-meter race, clocking in at 7.85.

“She’s going to be someone to look to in the future,” said women’s coach Deanne Vochatzer. “I won’t be surprised if she doesn’t set a school record in the 60-meter soon.”

Senior Chidinma Onyewuenyi moved into second place in the UC Davis record books with a shot put throw of 45-8.5.

This weekend marked the first meet for the Aggies of 2010 track and field season. The Aggies performed well despite not having as much practice as they would have liked due to weather conditions.

“When the sprinters are working at 100 percent of their speed, you take a great risk training in those conditions,” Deanne Vochatzer said.

To counteract the inability to practice outside, the coaches and athletes had to get out mats in the gym and train indoors.

The Aggies will be heading back up to Washington in two weeks to compete in another Washington Indoor Invitational.

MADELINE WEEKS can be reached at sports@theaggie.org.

The men’s swimming and diving team had a chance to finish the season undefeated with wins over UC Santa Barbara and UC San Diego.

The Aggies took advantage of the opportunity, beating the Gauchos 154-140 on Friday, their first Big West Conference dual meet win over UCSB, and then defeating the Tritons 174-122 one day later.

Against the Gauchos, Matt Herman set a season-best and Schaal Pool record in the 500 freestyle with a time of 4:31.62.

Adam Borchard, Reid Hartz and Alex Rossbach took the top three spots in 1000 freestyle with times of 9:39.64, 9:41.36 and 9:46.91, respectively. Both Rossbach’s and Hartz’s times were season bests.

Senior Daniel Donnelly picked up an individual victory, clocking in at 49.90 in the 100 butterfly.

In the 200 breaststroke, Scott Weltz posted a time of 2:02.70 to finish first. His season-best time of 1:49.85 in the 200 butterfly also garnered a top finish. In addition, he came in first in the 200 individual medley at 1:52.07, helping the Aggies pull out a close victory.

The women didn’t fare as well against the Gauchos, falling 181-111.

Morgan Lee posted a season-best time of 1:05.72 in the 100 breaststroke, her first individual win of the year. Ashley Chandler finished the 100 freestyle with a time of 52.06, a lifetime best.

In the last home meet of the season, the Aggies hosted the Tritons on Senior Day. UC Davis sent its eight seniors out with wins as the men took care of business, winning 174-122, and the women eked out the 155-145 victory.

With the wins, the men finish the season with a perfect 8-0 mark while the women end at 5-6.

After a long season, the Aggies will be rewarded for their efforts. They will receive much needed rest heading into the Big West Conference Championships, which start on Feb. 17 in Long Beach, Calif.

“The team has worked extremely hard,” said coach Pete Motekaitis. “We’re going to make a 180 degree transformation.”

The Aggies will take some time off, but they don’t want to lose sight of the ultimate goal – a league title.

“I feel excited,” said senior Kathryn Jovino. “The underlying tone is always conference championships.”

Senior Russ Underwood would agree.

“We put in a lot of work and a lot of races,” Underwood said. “I’m excited. I feel pretty good and pretty positive.”

MATT WANG can be reached sports@theaggie.org.

The Aggies stayed on the road over the weekend, finishing with games at UC Riverside and Long Beach State.

UC Davis split the two games and now stands 8-12 with a 4-4 record in Big West Conference play.

Thursday – UC Davis 60, UC Riverside 50

With Mark Payne having an off night and Dominic Calegari in foul trouble, the Aggies were forced to look elsewhere for scoring.

They didn’t have to look far.

Joe Harden led UC Davis to a 60-50 road victory over UC Riverside, following his strong second half performance against Pacific with a 19-point, eight-rebound, five-steal effort against the Highlanders Thursday night.

UC Riverside went on a brief 6-0 run to come within one with 3:28 remaining. The Aggies responded with a 12-3 run to close out the game, fueled by six points from Harden, four points from Calegari and a layup from Todd Lowenthal.

Lowenthal did his best to fill up the rest of the stat sheet, finishing with a career-high seven rebounds, five assists and four steals. His performance caught the attention of coach Gary Stewart.

“We had great contributions from everyone and particularly Todd Lowenthal,” Stewart said. “He was outstanding. He did everything but sell popcorn down there. He had a tremendous effort on the backboard, timely steals and made great decisions all night long.”

UC Davis, which came into the game looking to decrease opposing teams’ interior scoring, allowed UC Riverside just 12 points in the paint.

“Our help defense was outstanding and our rotations were excellent,” Stewart said. “We were able to force them into contested shots all night long.”

Saturday – Long Beach State 80, UC Davis 58

The Aggies went into the Walter Pyramid Saturday night looking to end their three-game roadtrip with a victory.

The 49ers had other plans.

UC Davis built an early lead, but couldn’t maintain its offensive production as Long Beach State cruised to an 80-58 win.

“We didn’t shoot the ball particularly well,” Stewart said. “I thought we got great looks all night long. We just couldn’t make layups.”

The Aggies made 37 percent of their shots from the field and shot 15 percent from beyond the arc, converting three of 20 attempts. Conversely, the 49ers shot 50.8 percent from the floor and 42 percent from beyond the arc.

UC Davis went into halftime behind just eight points despite trailing by as many as 18 early. Any thoughts that Long Beach State was wilting were put to rest at the beginning of the second half. The 49ers started the final period with a 14-1 run, putting them ahead 54-33. The Aggies countered with an 8-0 run of their own, but would get no closer than 12 for the rest of the game.

The 49ers got most of their scoring from strong interior play, getting 48 of their points inside the paint.

“We were caught on the wrong side all night long,” Stewart said. “We allowed them to put the ball in the post and they were very physical.”

The 49ers outrebounded the Aggies 38-30.

Payne and Calegari both had 16 points. No other Aggie scored more than six.

The Aggies return home Thursday night to take on the Cal Poly Mustangs.

RICHARD PROCTER can be reached at sports@theaggie.org.

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Headline: Aggies post season-high in win over Air Force

Kicker: Yamamura takes first in all-around

By GRACE SPRAGUE

Aggie Sports Writer

The Aggies continued their hot streak on the road with what coach John Lavallee called another set of outstanding performances.

UC Davis used the energy from its Causeway Classic win last week to earn its third straight win. The Aggies posted a season-high score of 191.575 to the Falcons’ 185.300 in a Mountain Pacific Sports Federation dual against Air Force on Saturday.

“It was very encouraging to come back after the high from Sacramento State last week to win another road meet,” Lavallee said. “Our team does a great job of figuring out what it is we need to accomplish. We’re really happy with where we are right now.”

Freshman Katie Yamamura won the all-around for the first time with 38.475 points. She hit all four events and placed second on vault with 9.600 points. She finished just behind junior teammate Marcy Miller on beam with a tally of 9.775.

Lavallee was pleased with the rest of his team’s effort on the individual routines as well.

The Aggies posted a total of 48.175 on balance beam, more than three full points higher than the Falcons.

“We had a breakthrough day on beam,” Lavallee said. “And we had the best vaulting that we’ve had in a couple of years.”

Miller helped the Aggies on both routines, placing first on balance beam with a score of 9.800 and third on vault with 9.550 points.

It was also Miller’s collegiate debut in the all-around.

“I’ve been training for all four events my entire career at UC Davis,” Miller said. “To finally get the opportunity to compete in the all-around was awesome.”

Miller finished third in the all-around with a final tally of 38.000, just ahead of senior teammate Tanya Ho, who had 37.900 points.

Ho’s performance marks her fourth consecutive all-around finish. She placed second on both floor exercise and uneven parallel bars with scores of 9.650 and 9.600, respectively. Ho also tied for third on vault with a score of 9.550.

Other top performances came from seniors Lida Gehlen, Kendall McCann and Christine Tao. Gehlen took first on uneven parallel bars with a score of 9.850 while McCann placed third with 9.575 points. Tao posted a tally of 9.725 on beam, good for second place.

The Aggies return to action against Seattle Pacific on Friday as part of “Beauty and the Beast,” where they’ll share the Pavilion with the UC Davis wrestling team.

GRACE SPRAGUE can be reached at sports@theaggie.org. XXX