SALEM, ORE. -- Willamette University tennis player Michael Baumgartner (Fr., Albany, OR/West Albany HS) has been chosen Northwest Conference Men's Tennis Student-Athlete of the Week for the second time this season. The most recent honor was the result of his efforts during Willamette's matches on March 26 at the University of Puget Sound and on March 28 at home against Lewis & Clark College.
Baumgartner went 2-0 at #1 singles during the week. He downed Sam Finkelman of UPS, 6-3, 7-5, and defeated Peter Ray of L&C, 7-6 (7-3), 6-0. Baumgartner is ranked #16 in singles in the West Region of NCAA Division III. He also was chosen NWC Student-Athlete of the Week on March 2.
In doubles, Baumgartner combined with Luke Lagattuta (Sr., Albuquerque, NM/Highland HS) to claim victories at #3 doubles against Puget Sound and #2 doubles versus Lewis & Clark. Baumgartner and Lagattuta rolled past Scooter Sabel and Andrew Timmons of UPS, 8-2, and shut out Junya Furakawa and Wataru Nakamura of L&C, 8-0.
Willamette achieved team victories in both matches. The Bearcats downed Puget Sound, 7-2, and swept past the Pioneers, 9-0.
WU is 9-5 on the season, including 9-3 in the NWC. Up next for the Bearcats is an NWC road match at Pacific Lutheran University in Parkland, Wash.
Michael Baumgartner helped WU register two victories against NWC opponents during the week.
