The UC Santa Barbara Women’s Tennis team begins its 2026 season at the ITA Kickoff Weekend in Columbus, Ohio, on January 24th. The Gauchos will first face Georgia Tech at 10 a.m., followed by a match on January 25th against either Iowa or the No. 13 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes.
Gauchos Prepare for Challenging Weekend
UC Santa Barbara enters the competition with a 1-1 record, having recently secured a 4-3 victory over Utah. The team demonstrated strength in doubles play, earning the doubles point and carrying that momentum into singles competition.
Opponent Profiles
Georgia Tech begins the weekend with a 1-0 record after a 7-0 win against Georgia State. The Yellow Jackets, coached by Rodney Harmon in his 14th season, are coming off a 14-12 campaign in 2025 and have made 25 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. Freshmen Sabritt Dozier, Eleni Karantali, and Seri Nayuki contributed to their opening win.
Iowa arrives in Columbus with a 2-1 record, having split a pair of matches on January 19th, losing 4-1 to No. 8 Duke but defeating NC Central 4-0. The Hawkeyes, led by head coach Sasha Boros, return five letterwinners from a team that earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament last season – their first appearance in 15 years.
No. 13 Ohio State will host the event, marking their first dual competition of the 2026 season. The Buckeyes finished 2025 ranked fourth nationally with a 23-4 record. They boast significant individual talent, with four players ranked in the ITA singles standings: Luciana Perry (No. 10), Teah Chavez (No. 14), Nao Nishino (No. 68), and Sophia Cisse-Ignative (No. 91). The doubles team of Perry and Chavez is ranked 29th nationally.
Depending on the results of the first round, UC Santa Barbara could face a challenging second match against either a strong Iowa team returning key players or a nationally ranked Ohio State squad with considerable individual talent. The Gauchos’ performance in doubles, as demonstrated in their win against Utah, could be a key factor in their success this weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ITA Kickoff Weekend?
ITA Kickoff Weekend gets underway for the UC Santa Barbara Women’s Tennis team on Jan. 24, in Columbus, Ohio.
What was UC Santa Barbara’s record before this weekend?
The Blue and Gold head to Columbus with a 1-1 record.
Which players are ranked for Ohio State?
Luciana Perry is ranked No. 10, Teah Chavez is ranked No. 14, Nao Nishino is ranked No. 68, and Sophia Cisse-Ignative is ranked No. 91 in ITA singles standings.
How will the Gauchos’ recent performance in doubles play influence their strategy against these opponents?