MORAGA, CA (2-29) - UC Santa Cruz took a big leap on Leap Day when they fell 7-0 at Division I St. Mary's.

Playing under Division I rules, the Banana Slugs played close in the doubles point. Seniors Sarthak Saxena and Ryan Gee were up 4-3 in the No. 3 match. However, the Gaels took the No. 1 and 2 matchups both by 6-2, giving the first point to the hosts.

Playing against the Gaels' "United Nations" team of players from France, Germany, Croatia, Colombia, South Africa and Nepal, the Banana Slugs fought hard in all six singles matches. Reini Igna was the lone Banana Slug to win a set, winning set one 6-3 at No. 2 against Felipe Rincon, before dropping the next set and then the tiebreaker to complete UCSC's day.

UC Santa Cruz has another higher division opponent next when they host Division II Concordia-Irvine on Tuesday.