By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- George Fox University swept through the doubles matches to build a 3-0 lead, then won five of six singles matches, as the Bruins defeated Willamette University, 8-1, at the Salem Tennis and Swim Club on Saturday, April 8. Willamette's lone victory was earned by Alexis Gjurasic (So., Olympia, WA/Capital HS) at #4 singles.

The Bruins, ranked #14 in the West Region of NCAA Division II by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA), improved to 10-7 on the season, 6-3 in the NWC. Willamette dropped to 0-13 overall, 0-10 in the NWC.

George Fox lost only one game during the three doubles matches. At #3 doubles, Sarah Tuemmler and Andrea Motly of the Bruins downed Mikaila Smith (Jr., Mill Valley, CA/Tamalpais HS) and Gjurasic of WU, 8-1.

In singles, Grjusic won the only match that went past two sets. She outlasted Ilsa Teppo of GFU in a super tie-breaker played instead of a third set, 1-6, 6-2, 10-7.

Tuemmler defeated Smith at #1 singles, 6-1, 6-2. At #2 singles, Taylor Barnes of GFU mvoed past Hannah Andres (So., Sammamish, WA/Skyline HS), 6-0, 6-2.

Also winning for the Bruins were Motley at #3 singles, Lydia Pia at #5 singles and Emily Brink at #6 singles. Pia held off Allie DiPasquale (So., Seattle, WA/Seattle Academy) of Willamette in a close first set, 6-4, in the #5 match, before pulling away for a 6-1 win in the second set.

The Bearcats will take on nearby rival Linfield College on Sunday, April 8 in McMinnville, Oregon. Match time is scheduled for 11 a.m. (PDT).