NEWBERG, Ore. --- Playing as the no. 1 overall seed, George Fox men's tennis advanced to the 2021 Northwest Conference Tournament championship match on Sunday, May 9, after defeating Lewis & Clark 5-1 in a first-to-five tourney bout.

How It Happened

The Bruins jumped out to early 3-0 leads in two of the three doubles matches and also took a 2-1 lead at the second flight. The Pios battled back to claim the second flight in the end, 8-5, but Will Leach worked with Luke Lemaitre to claim the first flight, 8-3, and Vahag Pashayan paired with Camden Camacho to dominate the third flight, 8-2.

The Bruins kept their momentum in singles play as the no. 5 & 6 flights flew by. Camacho charged through his matchup at no. 6 with a 6-2, 6-0 win to make the lead 3-1, and Rox Rogers was right on his heels with a 6-0, 6-2 retirement at the fifth flight. The Bruins held leads in three of the remaining four singles flights, but it was Leach who clinched it for the Bruins with a 6-1, 6-2 final at the second flight.

What It Means

The Bruins improved to 9-4 with the win while ending the Pios' season at 8-6 overall.

What Happens Next

George Fox will play host to no. 2 seed, Pacific (Ore.) on Sunday, May 9, at 12:00 pm to fight for their first NWC Tourney Championship title.