The Cal Poly Mustangs men’s tennis team earned a 4-3 comeback victory over No. 35 UC Santa Barbara on Apr. 18, claiming a share of the Big West Regular Season Championship for the first time since 2022.
The match was significant as it ended UC Santa Barbara’s (16-6, 5-1 Big West) impressive streaks: a run of 22 consecutive regular season conference wins and nine straight overall victories this season. Cal Poly (14-8, 5-1 Big West) also celebrated its first Blue-Green rivalry win since 2021.
UC Santa Barbara had already secured at least a portion of the regular season title before the match but now stands as co-champions with Cal Poly. The outcome leaves open the possibility that UC Irvine could join them if they defeat UC San Diego in their final match.
In doubles play, UCSB took early control by winning on two courts. However, after dropping another singles point, Cal Poly rallied to take four of the last five points. Notable performances included freshman Jovan Lubbe defeating No. 89 Lucca Liu and Aaron Eliscu overcoming No. 57 Dominique Rolland in three sets at No. 2 singles.
Jack Cross clinched the decisive point for Cal Poly at No. 5 singles despite recently recovering from injury and facing multiple match points against him in the third set.
The Mustangs will now await seeding for the upcoming Big West Championship scheduled for April 23–26 in San Diego, while results from other matches will determine their final position.
