Pilots Handle LMU in WCC Affair
PORTLAND, Ore. – Four Pilots posted straight set victories in singles matchups as the Portland Pilots men’s tennis team picked up its second win in as many days, sidelining the Loyola Marymount Lions 5-2 in a West Coast Conference matchup Friday afternoon at the Louisiana-Pacific Tennis Center.
It’s the first time since 2002 that the Pilots (10-7, 2-2 WCC) defeated LMU (2-16, 0-4 WCC), which was also a 5-2 score.
"I didn't feel we played great yesterday against Sacramento State so I thought today would be a struggle, but our guys really rose to the occasion,” Portland head coach Aaron Gross said following the match. "Justin and Kent have been struggling in doubles as of late, but put together an amazing match today. Martin and Hukwo clinched the doubles point for us and we had some nice momentum going into the singles.”
Portland was comfortable against the Lions from the get-go, taking the doubles point with ease. The Lions top three were no match for Portland’s top three, sealing the fate of the match early as juniors Ratan Gill (6-2, 6-4), Michel Hu Kwo (6-1, 6-4), and Alex Ferrero (6-3, 6-4) gave Portland a 4-0 edge.
“Alex and Michel both routinely handled the same guys that beat them last season,” Gross added. “Our top three put together their best combined effort of the season. I am really proud of Ratan for bouncing back and playing well today after losing 7-6 in the 3rd set yesterday. And Alex went from playing one of his worst matches as a Pilot yesterday to playing one of his best today. I was so proud of his discipline and composure today. He stuck with a game plan, didn't get frustrated, and just took care of business."
The top three were not the only ones to play well, though. Portland’s four, five, and six players all had positive matches, albeit without the favorable end result.
While senior Jackson Martin gave the Pilots another point after a 7-6, 6-1 win. Junior Justin Guay and freshman Kent Andreasen each won a set against their respective opponents, but the Lions managed to take the abbreviated third sets against both to finalize the score.
"I have to be honest; I have had this one circled on the calendar for a while,” Gross admitted while reflecting on last year’s match. “They put a whooping on us last year. They were the better team on that day. But not 7-0 better as it was on that day. We had a solid season last season, but that particular match really bugged me."
Continued Gross, “It is rare that a team has a big win with every single guy tangibly contributing to the win. That is what happened today. We will take a bit of time to enjoy this victory.”
The Pilots do not have much time to savor the victory, however, as the No. 10 Pepperdine Waves come to town for a Saturday match.
Portland has a lot of momentum heading into the 11 a.m. match. The Pilots have won matches on back-to-back days and have already matched up well against another top ranked opponent at the Louisiana-Pacific Tennis Center this season, giving then-No. 12 Mississippi a tough time back in February.
“Our guys are fired up to have a chance to play such a good team at home. It is one of those ‘nothing to lose’ situations,” Gross added. “We hope to come out and test the Waves a bit tomorrow."
