UC Santa Cruz: Latest News, Athletics & Achievements

UC Santa Cruz: A Hub of Achievement

UC Santa Cruz (UCSC) continues to make headlines, showcasing remarkable talent and dedication across various fields. From outstanding athletic performances to local competition successes, here’s a roundup of the latest news from and surrounding the university.

Slugs Shine in Basketball: Emilie Ngo’s Stellar Season

UC Santa Cruz women’s basketball standout, Emilie Ngo, has been named the Coast To Coast Conference’s 2026 Player of the Year! The sophomore guard from Oak Grove High in San Jose concluded the regular season with an impressive 318 points, averaging 14.5 points per game. Despite a 71-49 loss to Mary Washington in the C2C Conference Tournament quarterfinals, Ngo led her team with 17 points. Her exceptional playmaking skills were also on full display, leading the conference with 134 assists – a new single-season UCSC record and ranking eighth nationally. Ngo previously earned the C2C Rookie of the Year title in 2024-25.

Local Wrestlers Compete at CIF State Championships

The CIF State Wrestling Championships at Dignity Health Arena in Bakersfield saw three local athletes still in contention midway through Day 2. Here’s a look at their progress:

Cruz Contreras (Aptos, 132 pounds): Currently 2-1, Contreras secured wins over Paloma Valley’s Anthony Saldana and Nick Agerton of Frontier.
Gabriel Attia (SLV, 285): With a 1-1 record, Attia pinned Rancho Cucamonga’s Brayden Kilgore after an initial loss.
Cole Moules (Aptos, 165): Unfortunately, Moules was eliminated after two losses.
Ollin Bates (SLV, 215): Bates also faced elimination after two defeats.
Vera Bentley (Santa Cruz, 130): The CCS runner-up is 1-1, securing a pin against Panorama’s Ruby Jasso.

Surf’s Up: Santa Cruz Athletes at the BTMI Barbados Surf Pro

Santa Cruz surfers John Mel and Adam Bartlett competed at the World Surf League’s BTMI Barbados Surf Pro, a crucial Qualifying Series event. While both were eliminated in the Round of 32, they gained valuable points towards the Challenger Series qualification. Mel finished tied for 17th with 960 points, and Bartlett also secured 960 points. You can find more information about the World Surf League here.

Baseball & Softball Updates

Aptos 3, Monterey 2: The Mariners secured a nonleague win thanks to strong performances from Angie Lopez, Emma Burgueno, and Cara Allshouse.
Soquel 6, at Saint Francis 3: Jake Escalante and Hudson Summerrill led the Knights to victory with two hits and two RBI each.
Aptos 7, Truckee 1: Cole McGillicuddy’s impressive performance, including a double and a home run, powered the Mariners to a win.
Pacific Grove 6, Scotts Valley 1: Aditya Hannon earned the Falcons’ sole win at No. 2 singles.

Cabrillo College Baseball: A Close Contest

Cabrillo College baseball faced a tough battle against Chabot, ultimately falling 6-5 in a 12-inning nonconference game. Despite strong performances from Dylan Bartlett and Jayson Schmeisser, a late RBI single secured the win for Chabot.

Hole-in-One!

Aptos’ Bob Cayton achieved a remarkable feat, acing the 145-yard 18th hole at Pasatiempo Golf Club with an 8-iron – his 12th career hole-in-one!

Coaches are encouraged to submit scores and highlights to sports@santacruzsentinel.com.