YAKIMA, Wash. – Whitworth defeated Whitman 8.5 – 5.5 in the first men's golf competition of the spring over the weekend.

The Pirates led 3-2 after Saturday's contests, held at Sun Willows GC, featuring five best-ball matches and one singles match play.  Jacob Rawley and Matthew Durkin edged Whitman's Alex Knox and Parker Korvisky 1-up in the top best ball, while Gabe Cach and Daniel Rue won 5 & 4 in the fourth best ball.  Grady Burkett beat Whitman's Mussa Guzha 1-up in the only singles match on Saturday.

There were nine points available during Sunday's match-play round at Suntides GC and the Pirates won five and halved another.

Things started quickly as Rawley won 4 & 3 over Knox in the first match and Durkin beat Krovisky 2 & 1.  Sam Pauly halved with Tom Hoyne before Oliver Nordberg came through with a 2 & 1 win over Max Ray-Keil, giving Whitworth a 6.5 – 2.5 lead.  The Pirates needed only one more full point to clinch the team victory and got it when Aaron Storem beat Jack Garnsey 4 & 2.  The final point came when Cach topped Jacob Ryerson 2 & 1. 

The Pirates will return to action March 18-19 at the Willamette Valley Cup in Salem.