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

SALEM, Ore. -- George Fox University, ranked #14 in the West Region of NCAA Division III by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA), won a close match at #3 doubles and close contests at #5 and #6 singles, as the Bruins defeated Willamette University, 9-0, at the Salem Tennis and Swim Club on Saturday, Feb. 25. GFU advanced its record to 4-2 overall, 4-0 in the Northwest Conference, while Willamette dropped to 0-4 overall, 0-3 in the NWC.

The Bruins squeeked out a victory at #3 doubles, as Matt Biggi and Jacob Farmer downed Douglas Hochmuth (Sr./So., Oakland, CA/Bishop O'Dowd HS) and Derek Lund (Jr., Helena, MT/Capital HS), 9-7. George Fox claimed a slightly larger win at #2 doubles, as Ryan Malinsowski and Davin Lee outscored Wu's team of Hunter Yee (Fr., Honolulu, HI/Punahou School) and Colin Fisher (Fr., Caldwell, ID/Thomas Jefferson Charter School), 8-4.

Farmer prevailed over Lund at #6 singles in the closest match during the singles competition. Lund won the first set 6-4. Farmer claimed the second set 6-2, and then outlasted Lund 10-8 in a super tie-breaker played instead of a third set.

At #5 singles, Lee held off Fisher in two competitive sets, 6-4, 6-4. The Bruins claimed straight-set wins at #1, #2, #3 and #4 singles.

Willamette will play at University of Puget Sound on Sunday, Feb. 26. Match time is set for 1 p.m. (PST).