Box Score

BEAVERTON, Ore. --- The George Fox men's tennis program kicked off its 2022 spring season with a 5-2 statement victory over NCAA Division I opponent Portland State on the Vikings' home courts.

How It Happened

Fox started the match on strong footing by winning the doubles point – NCAA DI programs play doubles for a single match point – after the duo of Will Leach & Luke Lemaitre won their first flight matchup and Camden Camacho paired with Vahag Pashayan to claim the third flight.

Lemaitre made short work of his matchup at number two singles, 6-1, 6-0, to grab another point, and Camacho carved up his sixth flight opponent in a 6-1, 6-3 win.

The fifth flight matchup went Pashayan's way, 6-2, 6-3, to formally clinch the match for Fox with a 4-1 lead. The Vikings won the third and fourth flights to stay competitive, but Luis Rojas fought well in his debut as a Bruin with a tough 4-6, 6-2, 0-1 (3-10) defeat in the fourth singles matchup.

Leach put the last nail in with a 4-6, 6-3, 1-0 (16-14) win at the top singles flight to seal a 5-2 team victory.

Coach's Thoughts

"I'm really proud of the guys for their effort today," said coach Jeff Cero. "Our tennis had its ups and downs, and we definitely have a lot to work on coming out of our first match of the season, but the energy and attitude was awesome. The support and focus from our guys, no matter how they felt they were playing was great.

"We're looking forward to getting back on the practice court and getting back to work for Seattle next Friday night to kickoff our home opener!"

What It Means

Fox defeats the Vikings for the first time in program history and now has plenty of momentum to build on from the win, starting the season 1-0.

Up Next

The Bruins will face another NCAA DI foe, Seattle University, in their home opener on Feb. 18 with a 5:00 pm start on their home courts.