Newsroom

November 3, 2003
High County Sports Arena - Sonora, CA

The Sonora trip is done! The annual eight hour road trip has been completed with a record of 1-2-1. UCSB's lone win came in a nailbaiter of a game vs. UC Davis, 6-5. After the first UCSB led 6-2 with some outstanding puck control, but the Aggies would claw their way back with three unanswered goals through the next two periods, culminating in a series of chaotic faceoffs. The Gauchos would pull off the win despite Davis's empty net.

Both of the losses came to rivals Cal Poly SLO and Chico State. SLO came out firing against the Gauchos, and though the game was close through the first half, the Mustangs began shelling freshman goalie Sean Seal. Cal Poly used good puck movement to stretch out the Gauchos, and offensively UCSB could not put the puck away. UCSB would eventually lose 6-3.

Chico State came out firing as well, racketing up two goals against Seal in what looked like the beginning of a blowout. The Gauchos would rally, however, and quickly score two of their own in answer. This game featured perhaps the roughest, most physical play Santa Barbara had seen since playing Colorado State in Upland earlier this year. Though Chico State was larger, the Gauchos did not back down at all, continually scoring goals until it was tied 4-4 late in the third. A blown call be a ref gave the Cougars a power play that they scored on, and they would add another as UCSB scrambled to tie the game.

The emotional victory of the long, long day came when the Gauchos tied Moorpark College. Though the Gauchos led once during the match, for the most part they trailed Moorpark throughout the game. In another rough game that saw UCSB dominate the physical play both in front of the net and on the boards, Santa Barbara would not relent. The Gauchos displayed perhaps their best puck movement of the day, stretching out Moorpark time and time again. Freshman goaltender Jason Green had perhaps the biggest game of his season thus far, facing dozens of shots and standing on his head to make sure Santa Barbara would walk away with a point.

Thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Markgraf for their chili, their fruit, their encouragement, and a warm house to stay in. It was all much appreciated.

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RecCen II Watch

Watch as the Recreation Center II and our indoor SportCourt facility develop. This picture album will grow as the construction progresses. The opening date is set for Fall/Winter quarter of 2004-05.