SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — University of Portland freshman Ratan Gill picked up his team high 19th win of the season on Saturday as the Pilots dropped a 4-3 decision to No. 71 Dartmouth at the Recreation Center Courts on the campus of UC Santa Barbara.

The Big Green gained the upper hand after winning the doubles point by sweeping the Pilots despite tight 8-6 scores at both No. 1 and No. 2 doubles.

Portland battled in singles play with freshman Alex Ferrero earning the straight set decision at No. 1, while senior Bryan Thorp battled for a three set victory at No. 3.

At No. 5 it was Gill who won easily 6-1, 6-2 to earn his ninth dual victory of his career and 19th overall singles victory.

Sunday’s match against Cal Poly was called off due to inclement weather in the area and will not be rescheduled. Next up for the Pilots will be a Monday morning tilt at UC Santa Barbara.

No. 71 Dartmouth (8-2) 4
Portland (8-4) 3
March 19, 2011
Santa Barbara, Calif.
Recreation Center Courts

Doubles –
1: W. Stephen Greif/Curtis Roby (DC) def. Alex Ferrero/Geoff Hernandez (UP) 8-6
2: Michael Laser/Xander Centenari (DC) def. Michel Hu Kwo/Justin Guay (UP) 8-6
3: Cameron Ghorbani/Alex de Chatellus (DC) def. Nick Wales/Bryan Thorp (UP) 8-1

Singles –
1: Ferrero (UP) def. Laser (DC) 6-3, 7-6
2: Centenari (DC) def. Hernandez (UP) 6-1, 6-2
3: Thorp (UP) def. Roby (DC) 6-5, 2-6, 7-6 (4)
4: Ghorbani (DC) def. Hu Kwo (UP) 7-5, 6-4
5: Ratan Gill (UP) def. Chris Ho (DC) 6-1, 6-2
6: Brandon DeBot (DC) def. Guay (UP) 6-3, 6-0