April 28, 2008

Philip Therp played a major part in UCSB's run to a third consecutive Big West Conference title this past weekend in Indian Wells.

In the championship match, a 4-0 win over Pacific, Therp defeated Moritz Starke 7-5 and 6-3 at the No. 1 singles spot. In Saturday's 4-1 semifinal win over Cal Poly, Therp downed Andy Gerst 6-3 and 6-4, also at No. 1 singles.

Therp, a sophomore from Denmark, also teamed with Bijan Hejazi in No. 1 doubles play both days. Neither match had to finish as the Gauchos had already gained enough points to win in other match-ups.

Sunday's win raised UCSB's record to 15-9 and earned the Gauchos the Big West's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. Therp and the rest of the team will find out who they play in the NCAA Regionals on Tuesday.