Murakami Earns NWC Student-Athlete of the Week Honors

SALEM, ORE. -- Andrew Murakami (Sr., Wahiawa, HI/Leilehua HS/Univ. of Redlands) of the Willamette University men's tennis team has been named Northwest Conference Student-Athlete of the Week for his results in matches played on April 10-11. He was 2-0 in singles and 2-0 in doubles, as the Bearcats defeated Pacific University, 6-3, and downed the University of Puget Sound, 7-2.

Murakami defeated Spencer Hing of Pacific at #2 singles, 6-3, 6-0, on April 10. He recorded a win at #1 singles against Nick Kelley of Puget Sound, 6-3, 6-3, on April 11.

At #2 doubles, Murakami and teammate Micah Mack (Jr., Wenatchee, WA/Wenatchee HS) outscored Michael Okada and Eric Furuya of Pacific, 8-4, and defeated Kelley and Alex Harrison of Puget Sound, 8-3. Murakami and Mack are 4-1 in doubles this spring.

Overall, Murakami has achieved a 10-6 record in singles and a 10-6 record in doubles. He has helped Willamette earn a 9-7 record, all against NWC opponents.

The Bearcats have qualified for the NWC Tournament and will open the two-day event against Whitworth University on Friday, April 17. Match time is set for 8 a.m. (PDT).