By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

SALEM, ORE. -- The Willamette University men's tennis team is ranked #11 in the West Region of NCAA Division III in the most recent rankings released by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA). In addition, Michael Baumgartner (Fr., Albany, OR/West Albany HS), WU's top singles player, is ranked #16 in the West Region.

Willamette, led by Head Coach Toby Krauel, is 7-5 on the season, including 7-3 in the Northwest Conference. The Bearcats currently hold third place in the NWC standings.

NWC opponents Whitman College (#7), Linfield College (#9), Pacific Lutheran University (#12) and Whitworth University (#15) also are ranked in the West Region. Whitman is ranked #25 in the nation.

Baumgartner has played primarily at #1 singles this season. He is 5-7 overall and 5-5 in the NWC. He owns quality wins over Joel Trudel of Pacific Lutheran (#10 in the West.) and Matt Solomon of Whitman (#11 in the West). Baumgartner is not ranked in doubles, but has an overall record of 8-4 in doubles play.

Willamette's next match is scheduled for Friday, March 26 at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Wash. Match time is set for 6 p.m. (PDT).