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

TACOMA, WASH. -- Pacific Lutheran University defeated visiting Willamette University, 8-1, in a Northwest Conference men's tennis match on Friday, April 3. The Lutes upped their overall record to 12-7, including 10-2 in the NWC. Willamette fell to 6-7 overall, 6-7 in the NWC.

The Bearcats put up strong battles at the top three singles positions. At #1 singles, Cody Ferguson (Fr., North Bend, OR/North Bend HS/Western Oregon Univ.) won the first set, 6-0, but Joel Trudel of PLU claimed the second set, 6-2. Trudel won the match with a 10-8 triumph in a super tie-breaker played instead of a third set.

Andrew Murakami (Sr., Wahiawa, HI/Leilehua HS/Univ. of Redlands) earned WU's lone win at #2 singles. He rolled past Kevin Floyd, 6-2, 6-1. At #3 singles, PLU's Michael Manser edged out Matt Houser (So., Vancouver, CA/Evergreen HS) of WU in two close sets, 7-5, 7-6 (7-3).

The Lutes won all three doubles matches. The #2 position was the tightest match, with Manser and Zack AyYat narrowly defeating Murakami and Mack, 9-7.

Floyd and Chris Dew were victorious at #3 doubles over Alex Sepenzis (Sr., Denver, CO/Cherry Creek HS), 8-4. Trudel and Justin Peterson won #1 doubles, 8-2, over Ferguson and Houser.

Willamette will return home to host George Fox University on Saturday, April 4. Match time at the WU Tennis Courts is set for 11 a.m. (PDT).

Friday, April 3
At PLU Tennis Courts, Tacoma, Wash.

Pacific Lutheran University 8, Willamette University 1

Singles
#1 - Joel Trudel (PLU) defeated Cody Ferguson (WU), 0-6, 6-2, 10-8*
#2 - Andrew Murakami (WU) defeated Kevin Floyd (PLU), 6-2, 6-1
#3 - Michael Manser (PLU) defeated Matt Houser (WU), 7-5, 7-6 (7-3)
#4 - James Crosetto (PLU) defeated Alex Sepenzis (WU), 6-0, 6-1
#5 - Zack AhYat (PLU) defeated Micah Mack (WU), 6-2, 6-1
#6 - Justin Peterson (PLU) defeated Michael Moore (WU), 6-0, 6-0

Doubles
#1 - Trudel and Peterson (PLU) defeated Ferguson and Houser (WU), 8-2
#2 - Manser and AhYat (PLU) defeated Murakami and Mack (WU), 9-7
#3 - Floyd and Chris Dew (PLU) defeated Sepenzis and Moore (WU), 8-4

* Tie-breaker played instead of a third set

Records:
Pacific Lutheran University is 12-7 overall, 10-2 in the Northwest Conference. Willamette University is 6-7 overall, 6-7 in the NWC.