NEWBERG, Ore. --- The George Fox Men's Tennis team kicked off the ITA Northwest Regional Championships in strong fashion at the Bruins' Multi-Use Facility on Friday.
 
How It Happened
 
Navy and gold action began with freshman Jackson Whittaker's debut in qualifying singles. The Eugene native won his qualifying match to get into the main draw.
 
First-round doubles were a unified success, with all four George Fox duos dispatching their opponents. The sophomore team of Alle Banna and Hunter Fujimori brought the heat, upsetting the top 8 seed from Whitman, 8-6.
 
Top Performers
 
QUALIFYING DRAW - SINGLES
Jackson Whittaker (GFU) def. Carson Ward (UPS) 4-0, 4-1
 
MAIN DRAW - DOUBLES
Will Leach/Luke Lemaitre (GFU) def. Osman Chan/Rush Williams (PAC) 8-1
Camden Camacho/Ryan Olson (GFU) def. Ethan Violette/Payton Ramey (WHTW) 8-2
Rox Rogers/Vahag Pashayan (GFU) def. Noah Baker/Jasraj Sethi (WHTM) 8-1
Hunter Fujimora/ Alle Banna (GFU) def. Jack Freer/Chopra (WHTM) 8-6
 
Coach's Thoughts
 
"Jackson did well, and it was great to see him play his first official singles match as a Bruin," said head coach Jeff Cero. "He represented us so well, and I'm looking forward to seeing how this weekend shapes up for him."
 
"The Doubles energy and strategy was great, and definitely something good to build on heading into the weekend. We'll have some great matches and opportunities this weekend, and we definitely started things off on the right foot."
 
Up Next
 
The four-day ITA tournament continues tomorrow with day two of four. Tomorrow will feature all main draw action, with singles beginning at 8:00 a.m. before doubles continue at 6:30 p.m.