February 10, 2006
Slugs Fall to Tigers in 3 Games

STOCKTON, CA -- The UC Santa Cruz Banana Slugs fell to host DI #14 Pacific in three games (25-30, 24-30, 28-30). The loss is the fourth straight for the Slugs, and the fifth loss to a ranked DI opponent this season. Santa Cruz (5-5, 2-0 NCAA DIII) is currently ranked #4 in the AVCA DIII poll.

The Slugs played well in streaks but errors plagued the team. Santa Cruz missed 7 serves in game 2, 14 overall as well as committing 24 hitting errors and being out blocked 3.0-13.0.

Game 3 saw the Slugs compete in an exciting game. After battling point-for-point, the Slugs' David Henderson (So. Middle Blocker) put away a ball to tie the score at 27 all. Tyler Madden (Sr. Outsider Hitter) served to put the Slugs up 28-27 before Pacific sidedout and earned a block to take the lead 28-29. The Slugs battled back with a kill by Bryan Shires (So. Outside Hitter). With the score again tied, 29-29, the Slugs had and an opportunity to take the lead, and have game point, unfortunately the Slugs missed their serve to give Pacific the advantage. After one more sideout apiece, the Slugs made an attack error to give Pacific game 3, 30-32.

Senior setter Matt Reynolds recorded 35 assists. While middle blocker Jesse Garber (So.) earned the team's only solo block.

UC Santa Cruz hosts Fresno State on Saturday, February 11 at 7 pm in the West Field House.