Dons Outlast Pilots in San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. --- Junior Ratan Gill posted the lone singles victory for the Portland Pilots men’s tennis team as the Pilots lost a 6-1 decision to the San Francisco Dons Friday afternoon.
Portland (10-10, 2-5 WCC) kept it interesting with Gill’s three set victory from the top spot as junior Justin Guay and freshman Kent Andreasen each forced tiebreakers.
When the final point was awarded, however, the Dons’ (11-7, 3-4 WCC) Rich Van Hout had edged Guay 10-8 and Germain Bahri held off Andreasen 10-6 in the decisive sets.
“Ratan played very well against one of the better players in the conference to get us our lone win, but overall, we played poorly today,” Portland head coach Aaron Gross confessed. “Our guys have logged a lot of hours this year and it showed. Having only 6 players has been a blessing in a lot of ways in that guys are getting experience playing lots of tennis against really good players. That experience will really expedite the improvement of our guys with only one graduating.”
Continued Gross, “At the same time, there is a lot of pressure on all of them to stay healthy and perform at a high level every day. It seems that pressure got to us today. We looked like a tired team today.”
Three of the Pilots fell in straight sets, managing to win seven of 43 games between them.
“My hope was that, while we may not be the best team in the conference this year, we would be among the toughest. On a lot of days I think we have accomplished that goal. But today we just looked tired and flat,” added Gross. “Overall, we have had a very good season under the circumstances. I am trying to impress upon the guys how important it is to finish up strong. My worry is that the progress we have made this season will be forgotten if we don't finish the season strong."
Portland concludes its regular season on Sunday with an 11 a.m. match at Santa Clara.
