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

SALEM, ORE. -- Lewis-Clark State College (Idaho) won all six singles matches to pull away from Willamette University, 8-1, in the season opener for both men's tennis teams on Friday, Jan. 23 at the Courthouse Tennis Center. WU trailed just 2-1 after doubles, but LCSC's success in singles gave the Warriors room in the final score.

LCSC is 1-0 on the season. Willamette is 0-1.

The Warriors prevailed at #1 doubles, with Yonas Woldetsadik and Jeff Su outlasting Sam Wexman (Jr., Tiburon, CA/Tamiscal HS) and Shrujan Kalidindi (Jr., Cupertino, CA/Monta Vista HS), 8-5.

Willamette recorded its only win of the match at #2 doubles, as Gunnar Lee (Jr., Hilo, HI/St. Joseph HS) and Jacob Blaisdell (Fr., Honolulu, HI/Punahou School) edged out Andres Bustani and Anthony Croteau, 8-6.

In #3 doubles, Lewis-Clark State received a victory from Sonam Phuntsok and Tony Chin over Blake Brash (Jr., Boise, ID/Boise HS) and Derek Lund (Fr., Helena, MT/Capital HS). Phuntsok and Chin won 8-1.

Although LCSC swept the singles matches, several sets were very competitive.

At #2 singles, Bustani slipped past Jack Schreiber (Sr., Solana Beach, CA/The Grauer School), 6-4, in the first set, before winning 6-0 in the second set. Phuntsok needed a tie-breaker in the second set to get past Brash at #5 singles, 6-1, 7-6 (7-5). The first set at #6 singles was won by Chin, 7-5. Chin took the second set 6-0.

The top singles match was played between Woldetsadik and Wexman. Woldetsadik triumphed 6-3, 6-2.

Willamette's next match is not until Sunday, March 1, when the Bearcats will host Lewis & Clark College in Northwest Conference action. Match time is set for 11 a.m. at the Willamette University Tennis Courts.