By Alli Kieckbusch, Student Writer

SALEM, Ore. – Jake Floyd clinched Whitworth's first Northwest Conference men's tennis victory of the season with a 6-1, 6-0 win at #6 singles. The visiting Pirates defeated Willamette 5-4 to improve to 4-11 overall and 1-4 in the NWC while the Bearcats fell to 1-10, 1-3.

Jake Bethards and Jake Floyd gave the Pirates their first point of the day with an 8-0 win at #3 doubles. The Bearcats took the other two doubles matches, both by 8-5 scores.

The Bucs won three matches in a row to start singles play, with Kincaid Norris defeating Gene Perle-Jones in three sets (5-7, 6-2, 6-1) at #4 singles. Ben Bethards took third singles 6-3, 6-1, and Cameron Brewer defeated Luke Hisemen at #5 (6-2, 7-5) to give the Pirates a 4-2 lead.

Willamette went on to get wins at #1 and #2 singles despite Bethards and Sean Singco sending both matches to a third set. With the team score tied 4-4, Floyd's victory over Endy Zarate gave the Pirates the final point they needed.

The Bucs will play Puget Sound and Pacific Lutheran at home next weekend to continue conference matchups.