NEWBERG, Ore. --- The George Fox men's tennis team captured both the singles and doubles ITA Northwest Regional Championships for the third time in program history, wrapping up tournament action on Monday evening. After earning All-American honors, Luke Lemaitre and Will Leach will head to Rome, Georgia, to compete in the ITA Cup on October 14-7.
How It Happened
Senior Lemaitre and fifth-year Leach displayed the sheer endurance and intensity demanded by the sport throughout the four-day tournament. After long, grueling days of singles and doubles play, the two met up in both championship matches.
Each posted five straight wins before the championship match, with Lemaitre dropping just three games in 10 sets. Both began the final day of action against Pacific opponents as Lemaitre upended Reyn Miyagawa 6-1, 6-1, and Leach dropped Mason Tran 6-2, 7-6 (6).
After a short break, the two met in a match that saw long rallies as both Bruins began to show the wear and tear of nonstop battle. Ultimately, Lemaitre dethroned the two-time Northwest Regional champion, securing the fifth-straight singles crown for George Fox.
Lemaitre and Leach shook hands and joined forces for the ultimate doubles matchup. With the utmost grit and tenacity, the Bruin duo took down Pacific's Quentin Gonzalez and Aidan Rooney 6-7(4), 6-1, 6-1. GFU last won the regional doubles crown in 2018 when Leach teamed up with Keaten Baker.
Top Performers
MAIN DRAW SINGLES SEMIS
Lemaitre (GFU) def. Reyn Miyagawa (PAC) 6-1, 6-1
Leach (GFU) def. Mason Tran (PAC) 6-2, 7-6 (6)
MAIN DRAW SINGLES FINAL
Lemaitre def. Leach 6-2, 6-1
MAIN DRAW DOUBLES FINAL
Leach/ Lemaitre (GFU) def. Quentin Gonzalez/Aidan Rooney (PAC) 6-7(4), 6-1, 6-1
Coach's Thoughts
"We are so proud of Luke and Will," said a very excited head coach Jeff Cero. "They have done and accomplished so much for this program, and today was special for them to fight the way they did and win the singles and doubles title."
"Luke played outstanding from beginning to finish in both singles matches, and couldn't be happier for him to be an All-American again. He has a lot to be proud of, and I'm excited to see how he does in Georgia in a few weeks."
"Doubles was hard fought against Pacific. After a slow start and letting the first set get away, both Will and Luke really stepped it up and played much cleaner, smarter, and more efficient tennis. It definitely paid off, and they were able to find their level again and maintain a sense of focus and urgency on the court that helped them win this match."
Up Next
The Bruins conclude their fall schedule by hosting the PNW Invitational on October 1-3 before Leach and Lemaitre head for Georgia later in the month.
