Lutes Edge Past Bearcats, 5-4

By Timothy Walsh, Athletics Communications Writer

PARKLAND, WASH. -- Pacific Lutheran University used a narrow win at #3 doubles to grab an early lead, then got another close victory at #6 singles to edge past Willamette University, 5-4, in a Northwest Conference tennis match on Saturday, March 1.

Willamette dropped to 1-5 overall, 1-3 in the NWC. PLU improved to 1-3, 1-3 in NWC play.

Despite falling behind 2-1 after the doubles matches, the Bearcats nearly rallied for the team victory. Sam Wexman(So., Tiburon, CA/Tamiscal HS) earned a decisive win at #1 singles, defeating PLU's Sam Angel 6-3, 6-2.

Jack Schreiber(Jr., Solana Beach, CA/The Grauer School) and Blake Brash(So., Boise, ID/Boise HS) also notched easy victories for Willamette. Schreiber defeated James Okubo 6-2, 6-0 at #4, while Brash dropped Brandon Bulaclac 6-1, 6-1 at the #5 spot.

At #6 singles, Gunnar Lee(So., Hilo, HI/St. Joseph HS) came closest to giving the Bearcats the team win, taking PLU's Spencer Herron to a third set before falling 6-4, 6-7 (5-7), 6-3.

Will Cooper(Sr., Gresham, OR/Centennial HS) and Devin Abney(Jr., Shoreline, WA/Shorecrest HS/Univ. of Redlands) gave Willamette its only doubles victory on the day, prevailing in a tiebreaker, 9-8 (2-0) over Angel and Neal Berg at the #1 spot.

At #3 doubles, Brash and Shrujan Kalidindi(So., Cupertino, CA/Monta Vista HS) nearly got Willamette another point, but fell to Okubo and Sam Stadter, 9-7.