SEATTLE, Wash. --- The George Fox men's tennis team kicked off its season Saturday against NCAA Division I Seattle University, falling 6-1.

Recap:
The Bruins started five freshman in their lineup against the Div. I  Redhawks. The 6-1 score comes from the Div. I scoring in men's tennis, as doubles count as one point. The All-American duo of Spencer Watanabe and Alex Namba kept pace with the Redhawks' No. 1 pair. The Bruins lost a tough battle that resulted in a 7-6 finish.

Watanabe broke through for the Bruins in No. 1 singles, taking down Trenton Nield, 6-3, 6-3.

"I'm truly out of words to describe Spencer," said head coach Neal Ninteman. "He is truly one of the greatest competitors I have ever seen."

Both Ryan Malinowski and Jacob Farmer were impressive at the No. 5 and No. 6 singles. Malinowski fell in a tough match, 6-3, 6-4, while Farmer forced his to three. Farmer lost the opening set, 6-3, but battled back to take the second set, 6-4. The third set was just a close, but in the end the Redhawks came away with the victory.

"Overall I was happy with the team's effort," remarked Ninteman. "All we can do is learn, develop our focus and continue to show grit."

What Comes Next:
The Bruins will be tested again next week, as they take on Div. I Fresno State Wednesday, Feb. 8, at 6p.m.