McMINNVILLE, Ore. — The Bruins men's tennis team finished their final road match of the regular season with a narrow 4–3 victory over the Linfield Wildcats in McMinnville, keeping their playoff hopes alive before their final match of the season that will determine their postseason future.
How it Happened
Doubles was a little too close for comfort for the Bruins, but that didn't stop them from claiming the point in thrilling fashion.
Zach Moore and
Aiden Cruz saw their doubles match go down to the wire against the No. 8 doubles duo in the ITA Division III West Region. After a 6–6 tie, the freshman-junior pair showed grit and stole the tiebreak 7–2 for the win.
Luis Hernandez and
Joseph Vece clinched the doubles point after defeating their opponents on Court No. 3, 7–5.
Ikuho Ebisu and
Keita Shoji managed to keep their matchup close but ultimately fell 6–4 on Court No. 2.
In singles, Moore controlled Court No. 1 with a 6–3, 6–2 victory, while Shoji showed poise after falling 6–0 in set one, turning the tide with a 6–1 win in set two before securing the match with a 6–4 win in the third on Court No. 2.
On Court No. 3, Hernandez gave it his all, losing set one 6–2 and nearly mounting a comeback in set two by claiming four games, but ultimately falling 6–4. Cruz pushed his match to three sets, falling 6–3 in set one before forcing a third set with a 6–3 win in set two, but dropping the final set 6–3.
Ebisu helped seal the narrow victory for the Bruins on Court No. 5 (6–3, 6–4), while Vece narrowly lost his first set in a tiebreak (7–6 [6–1]) before falling in set two on Court No. 6.
What it means
With today's result, the Bruins move to 8–9 overall and 7–6 in the Northwest Conference. Linfield moves to 5–15 overall with a 5–8 conference record.
Coach's Thoughts
"It was a battle," said Bruin head coach
Mitchell Miyashiro. "Now we just have to win tomorrow."
What's Next
George Fox men's tennis will finish the regular season at home against the Pacific Boxers on Sunday, April 12, in the Tennis Dome, where the Bruins will also recognize four seniors on Senior Day. A win against Pacific would seal their spot in teh Northwest Conference Tournament.
