Two key matchups between Big West men's tennis contenders take place this week when Pacific welcomes Central Coast rivals UC Santa Barbara and Cal Poly to the Hal Nelson Tennis Courts.
   
Pacific is encountering its first Big West match since Feb. 8 against UC Davis.  The Gauchos enter the match 2-1 in conference play and look to defend their co-regular season championship from a year ago.  The Tigers aim to avenge their loss to the Gauchos in last season's Big West Tournament final.  Pacific, which also hosts Montana in a non-conference match on Thursday, has won five of its last six contests and is ranked No. 54 in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association rankings.   
   
Cal Poly, 1-1 in league play, takes a shot at the Tigers on Sunday.  The Mustangs earned their first-ever ITA ranking this week and moved into the poll at No. 74.  Cal Poly begins a stretch of three straight road matches with Pacific, looking to capture their first road win after an 0-5 start.
   
Current men's tennis leader is UC Irvine at 2-0 in conference action.  The Anteaters host No. 68 Harvard on Thursday before traveling to No. 39 Fresno State next Tuesday.  Ten of UC Irvine's 19 opponents this season have been ranked in the top 75 at some juncture.
   
First place Long Beach State is 6-0 on the women's side.  The 49ers host Dartmouth and No. 15 Fresno State this week.  LBSU is ranked No. 47 nationally.  UC Irvine, in second place at 4-1, attempts to keep up the pressure on LBSU but needs to defeat Cal State Northridge Friday and Pacific Sunday.  The Tigers have played the fewest Big West matches (4) and take a 3-1 record into a Saturday contest at Cal State Fullerton before facing the Anteaters.  UCI is ranked No. 49 this week by the ITA.