NEWBERG, Ore. –  The George Fox men's tennis team hosted the two-day PNW Invitational against Division I competition. The Bruins would face off on Friday and Saturday against Seattle University and Portland State University players, and the tournament would include both singles and doubles play. 

How It Happened - Friday
Eli Mizerski faced a tough challenge against Julian Worn from Seattle University, resulting in a 4-6, 6-1(4) loss. Vahag Pashayan couldn't overcome Jan Semerak from Portland State, experiencing a 6-2, 6-1 defeat. However, Hunter Fujimori secured the day's first win for the Bruins, bouncing back after dropping the first set to Seattle's Veselin Kiselkov with a final score of 1-6, 6-1(5). Nanase Ebisu dominated his singles match, securing a convincing 6-0, 6-0 win against Yu-Han Hsieh from Seattle. Jonah Isa triumphed in a hard-fought singles match against Jayden Harrison, winning 6-7(4), 7-6(5), 10-7 for GFU. Zach Moore played in a practice round against Dario Ristoviski, winning 7-6(4). 

In doubles, Fox experienced a loss as Vahag Pashayan and Lars Schmassmann fell to the team from Seattle of Veselin Kiselkov and Jun Sasagawa with a score of 7-5. On a positive note, the Bruins pair of Nanase Ebisu and Eli Mizerski clinched a 7-5 victory against PSU's Jonas Mathiasen and Simon Kuszynski. 

How It Happened - Saturday
The morning session began on a high note as Vahag Pashayan secured a decisive victory over Seattle's Filip Stipic with a convincing 6-1, 6-2 win. The momentum continued in the following set of singles matches, with two more Bruins clinching impressive wins. Hunter Fujimori engaged in a gripping battle against Luka Jonvanovic from Portland State, staging a remarkable comeback after dropping the first set. Fujimori claimed the second set with a score of 7-6(4) and went on to secure victory in the decisive third set, 10-7. Alle Banna secured a notable win with a scoreline of 7-5, 6-3. In the afternoon matches, both Pashayan and Fujimori engaged in closely contested singles matches, keeping the game tight, but ultimately, both faced defeat in the end. To end the afternoon for the Bruins, Freshman River Apatu would pick up a win, 6-4, 7-5, against Jayden Harrison of Seattle.

Coach's Thoughts - Friday
"I felt like it was a little up and down today," Bruin head coach Jeff Cero said, "Some really great moments and performances in singles, and few other areas that really need improvement. We're looking forward to a full day of battles, and to finish with some great doubles."

Coach's Thoughts - Saturday 
"Singles overall was a good weekend showing we are trending in the right direction," said Bruin head coach Jeff Cero, "Hunter and Vahag played some great singles in both matches, and showed not only a high level, but an ability to carry it from match to match. Doubles was a little bit different, running into the same issues that have plagued us the past few years from being who we want to be. There is a lot of work and introspection to do before the season in regards to what it will take for us to be the best version of Bruin doubles we can be."

What's Next
With the conclusion of the PNW Invitational, the Bruins wrap up their fall season. Fox will be back in action for the spring season on Friday, February, 9th, to host Seattle University at 4:00 p.m.