UC Santa Cruz stepped up in class as they fell 8-1 to Division II Dominican University in a home dual.

The Banana Slugs started off great as Ines Pelvang and Kayla Manz teamed up at No. 1 doubles to win 8-2. It was their first time teaming up since an injury withdrawl two weeks ago against Cal Lutheran. The lead was short-lived as Dominican won the No. 2 doubles by the same 8-2 score. The Penguins then won No. 3 doubles by 8-4.

UC Santa Cruz fought hard in all the singles matches. Angelina Powers played even with Penguin senior Michelle Li at No. 5 before falling 4-6, 4-6. Vivian Lee played hard at No. 2 against fellow San Diegan Ofelia Lopez in a 3-6, 0-6 match. The most exciting match was at No. 1 singles, where UCSC's Kayla Manz rallied from a set down to take the match against Kaitlyn Nguyen to a tiebreaker in a match that Nguyen won 6-7, 6-2, 4-10.

"Although I was proud that our team competed with more intensity today, I think a few of our matches were winnable" said head coach Amy Jensen. "We need to be more self aware, make adjustments faster, manage our courts more assertively. I think this team still has a lot of room for improvement - which is exciting moving forward."

The Banana Slugs finish the weekend with a Sunday home matchup against local Division III rival Mills College, 10am at the East Courts.