WALLA WALLA, Wash. --- The George Fox men's tennis team played against No. 15 Whitman College in the semifinal of the Northwest Conference Tournament Saturday, as the Bruins fell to the top-ranked Blues, 5-0.
Recap:
In tournament play, once a team reaches five points the match ends. Whitman was able to secure its fifth point by the hands of NWC Player of the Year Zach Hewlin at No. 1 singles.
The Bruins had their hands full from the start, as All-NWC first team Spencer Watanabe was pulled off the lineup due to a groin injury. Ryan Malinowski did well to fill Watanabe's shoes at No. 1 doubles with teammate Alex Namba. The pair put up quite the fight at the top spot in doubles against Robert Carter and Jake Hoeger. The Bruins ended up dropping the match 9-7 to give the Blues their third point of the match.
The Blues are regionally ranked at No. 4, while the Bruins are ranked No. 13.
Whitman will advance to the conference final in search for its 10th title, which would tie the conference record for consecutive titles. Pacific Lutheran University currently holds the conference record for most consecutive titles.
What Comes Next:
The Bruins will still participate in the Ojai Regional Championships April 28-29.
