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

SPOKANE, WASH. -- Whitworth University defeated Willamette University in a Northwest Conference men's tennis match, 8-1, on Friday, April 18 at the Scotford Tennis Center.

The Pirates moved their record to 7-10 overall, 6-5 in the NWC. Willamette fell to 2-13 on the season, 2-9 in the NWC.

Whitworth won one doubles match and two singles matches by default, as Willamette was shorthanded due to injuries and academic requirements.

On the court, the Pirates earned victories at #1 and #2 doubles to start the match.

At #1 doubles, John Talbot and Matt Goebel downed Will Cooper (Sr., Gresham, OR/Centennial HS) and Shrujan Kalidindi (So., Cupertino, CA/Monta Vista HS), 8-3. The Pirates also won 8-3 at #2 doubles, as Troy Patterson and Dustin McConnell defeated Jack Schreiber (Jr., Solana Beach, CA/The Grauer School) and Gunnar Lee (So., Hilo, HI/St. Joseph HS).

The #1 singles match was won by Whitworth's Drew Brigham, who prevailed in straight sets over Cooper, 6-2, 6-2. Whitworth also registered wins at #2 singles and #3 singles.

Willamette's only victory was at #4 singles, where Kalidindi won when Shane Sandlin of Whitworth had to retire with a 1-0 lead in the first set.

The Bearcats will close out the season against Whitman College in Walla Walla, Wash., on Saturday, April 19. Start time for the NWC match is scheduled for 1 p.m. (PDT).