By Nick Barene, sports writer
The Pacific Lutheran University men’s tennis team extended their losing streak against Whitworth, losing 6-3. It marked the Lutes’ second consecutive loss and fifth overall loss this season. While the Lutes dominated the men’s doubles tennis action on Saturday against Whitworth, the team was unable to conquer its foes in the singles. The Pirates claimed four straight singles victories.
In doubles, sophomore Jake Yannello and junior Spencer Herron took down John Talbot and Drew Adams 8-3. Meanwhile, the first-year duo of Sam Stadter and James Okubo beat Blake Miller and Matt Goebel in a hard-fought match, winning 9-7.
Stadter posted a 6-3, 6-2 victory in the no. 2 singles match over Chris Engelmann, but that would be the Lutes’ only success in the singles matches.
“We came out strong and felt like we had some momentum, but you have to give Whitworth credit for sticking in there,” said PLU head coach Rocky Poulin.
PLU fell to 1-5 overall, and 1-5 in the NWC. Whitworth advanced to 5-5 overall and 5-2 in NWC play. Next week, the Lutes will travel south to California and take on five different non-conference opponents, kicking off with a March 22 match-up with Caltech.
Afterwards, the Lutes will take on Arizona Christian, Chapman, Hope International and Biola in the following days.
“Hopefully we’ll get some more sun and play some top competition down there. The team is looking forward to that,” said Poulin regarding the team’s upcoming trip.
