Linfield Defeats Bearcats, 7-2, in NWC Men's Tennis

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

McMINNVILLE, ORE. -- Willamette University received singles victories from Cody Ferguson (Fr., North Bend, OR/North Bend HS/Western Oregon Univ.) at the #1 position and from Matt Houser (So., Vancouver, WA/Evergreen HS) at #3, but Linfield College won the remaining matches and defeated the Bearcats, 7-2, in Northwest Conference action on Saturday, March 21. Willamette fell to 5-6 overall, 5-6 in the NWC, while Linfield improved to 9-4 overall, 9-3 in the conference.

Ferguson downed Nick Ruess of Linfield in straight sets in the #1 singles match. He won the first set, 6-4, then took the second set, 6-1. Houser edge out Kyle Anderson at #3 singles, as he won in a super tie-breaker played instead of a third set, 3-6, 6-4, 11-9.

For the second time this spring, Linfield held Willamette without a point from the doubles matches. The Bearcats almost won at #1 doubles, as Andrew Murakami (Sr., Wahiawa, HI/Leilehua HS) and Houser led 7-6 before Walt James and Brent Kingzett rallied for a 9-7 victory. The Wildcats claimed wins at #2 and #3 doubles by identical 8-4 scores.

Linfield added four wins in singles. At the #2 position, Ward Van Mens defeated Murakami, 6-3, 3-0, after Murakami had to withdraw during the second set. At #4 singles, James downed Alex Sepenzis (Sr., Denver, CO/Cherry Creek HS), 6-2, 6-2.

March 21, 2009
At Linfield College, McMinnville, Ore.

Singles
#1 - Cody Ferguson (WU) defeated Nick Ruess (LIN), 6-4, 6-1
#2 - Ward Van Mens (LIN) defeated Andrew Murakami (WU), 6-3, 3-0 retired
#3 - Matt Houser (WU) defeated Kyle Anderson (LIN), 3-6, 6-4, 11-9
#4 - Walt James (LIN) defeated Alex Sepenzis (WU), 6-2, 6-2
#5 - Mark Magdaong (LIN) defeated Micah Mack (WU), 6-0, 6-0
#6 - Tal DeWitt (LIN) defeated Michael Moore (WU), 6-0, 6-1

Doubles
#1 - James and Brent Kingzett defeated Murakami and Houser (WU), 9-7
#2 - Ruess and Van Mens (LIN) defeated Ferguson and Mack (WU), 8-4
#3 - Anderson and DeWitt (LIN) defeated Sepenzis and Moore (WU), 8-3

Records:
Linfield College is 9-4 overall, 9-3 in the Northwest Conference. Willamette University is 5-6 overall, 5-6 in the NWC.