NEWBERG, Ore. — The Bruins men's tennis team clinched a spot in the Northwest Conference Tournament today with a 4–3 win against Pacific in their final match of the regular season, extending the collegiate careers of Ikuho Ebisu, Luis Hernandez, Keita Shoji, and Joseph Vece, who were celebrated for Senior Day.

How it Happened
Pacific and George Fox were tied in the Northwest Conference standings coming into today's match, with both squads fighting for the final spot in the NWC Tournament.

Zach Moore and Aiden Cruz began doubles battling against Pacific's No. 1 duo. After posting four games against their opponents, the junior-freshman pair suffered an unfortunate 6–4 loss, putting pressure on the next two doubles teams for the Bruins to carry the load.

Senior teammates Ebisu and Shoji were up for the challenge on Court No. 2. The duo established the lead and closed out a tight 6–4 victory, bringing Fox one step closer to the doubles point.

Experience favored the Bruins on Court No. 3, with another pair of senior Bruins, Vece and Hernandez, finding themselves tied 5–5 in a crucial moment. The duo stood their ground and secured the doubles point for Fox with a 7–5 win in their final home doubles match of their careers.

In singles, Fox wasted no time in clinching the conference-defining victory. Moore started strong on Court No. 1, dominating set one 6–0 before taking down Josh Dela Cruz 6–3.

On Court No. 2, Keita Shoji came ready to win, shutting out his opponent 6–0 in set one and taking set two 6–3, leaving just one point remaining for Fox to clinch the match.

The only freshman on the squad, Aiden Cruz, had the chance to put it away in the No. 4 matchup. After winning 6–3 in set one, he looked ready to seal it. Despite allowing four games in set two, Cruz held strong and secured the victory 6–4, sparking celebration across the court with the symbolic nature of his win.

Even though Ebisu fell on Court No. 5 (6–2, 6–4, 1–0 [10–7]), Hernandez lost on Court No. 3 (7–6 [7–5], 6–4), and Vece dropped his match on Court No. 6 (7–5, 7–5), the overall team victory had already been secured as the Bruins turned their focus to the conference tournament.

What it means
With today's result, the Bruins move to 9–9 overall and 8–6 in the Northwest Conference, finishing as the No. 4 team in the conference standings. The Pacific Boxers end the season 7–11 overall with a 7–7 conference record, finishing as the No. 5 team in the conference standings.

Coach's Thoughts
"I am so proud of our team," said head coach Mitchell Miyashiro. "Today's win was a true collective effort, where everyone contributed to the outcome. It's a testament to their consistent effort and drive to improve as individuals and as a team."

"The seniors this year really changed the standard for our program. Not just in wins and losses, but in how they showed up for each other, for this program, and for something bigger than themselves. This weekend showcased their efforts. I am so proud of them."

What's Next
George Fox men's tennis will now prepare for the Northwest Conference Tournament, hosted by Whitman in Walla Walla, Wash. The first match is set to begin Saturday, April 18, with the time still to be announced.