VOL 102 ISSUE 14
APRIL 18, 2012
WHITPICS
SPORTS
OPINIONS
ARTS&CULTURE
NEWS
CONTENTS
20 Pirates
split final conference matches
Fourth-seeded men’s tennis set to take on Whitman in NWC tournament Nathan Webber Staff Writer The Pirate men’s tennis team finished the regular season this past weekend, earning a victory against Lewis & Clark College on Friday but losing a close contest to George Fox University on Saturday at the Scotford Tennis Center. The Pirates also played a couple of non-conference matches earlier in the week — an exhibition match against the Community Colleges of Spokane and a home match against Lewis-Clark State College where Whitworth fell 9-0. “It’s a lot of matches but we still have to go out and play,” sophomore Dustin McConnell said. “At this level you need to be prepared for the long matches and do the best you can to fight through.” Whitworth finished the regular season with an 8-4 Northwest Conference record and an 11-8 record overall. The Bucs will take on Whitman next weekPhotographer: Hope Barnes end in the first round of the Northwest Conference Tournament in Walla Wal- Freshman Matt Goebel returns a ball while playing No. 3 doubles against George Fox University. Goebel and his partner, sophomore John Talbot, beat their opponents 8-3. la, Wash. “Playing Whitman is always fun On Friday the Pirates went back to match, but we lost a little momentum because they’re always a challenge,” junior Cameron Williams said. “We finish up the regular season conference towards the end.” After taking a 3-2 lead in the match, gained some information last time we schedule when the team defeated Lewthe Bruins took the No. 3, No. 4 and No. played them and developed some strat- is & Clark College 7-2. Redfern and junior Micah Spaun 5 singles contests, dooming the Pirates. egies around that. Now we want to imcame through in the first match of the Cameron Williams had one of the more plement that and finish strong.” Whitworth started off the week with day as the two beat out the Boxers No. 1 inspiring wins in the match. Williams took the first set 6-4 against the No. 2 an exhibition match on Monday April 9 doubles team 9-7. “I felt really good about how we Bruin singles player but fell behind earat the Community Colleges of Spokane. Whitworth played most of its reserve played doubles on Friday,” Redfern ly in the second. “I sat down with my coach and he players in the exhibition, which ended said. “It felt good to get that win considering how close it had me focus on my breathing,” Wilin a 4-4 tie. liams said, after being down 4-1 in the was.” “We got to see “Playing Whitman is The two teams second set. “It loosened me up and got guys play that don’t always fun because split the first four me back in my groove.” normally get to,” WilWilliams came back and won the set contests but Whitliams said. “It’s exthey’re always a worth responded 7-5, his eighth singles win of the year. citing to watch them challenge.” The Pirates will have a week to prewith five straight succeed on the on pare for Whitman College, the eighthsingles wins to court.” — Cameron Williams close out the ranked team in the nation. This is a The day after the junior match. No. 2 sin- rematch of the contest that was won by CCS match, the Bucs gles player Spaun the Missionaries 9-0 on March 31. took on the Warriors “Personally I’m looking forward of Lewis-Clark State College, falling 9-0 and McConnell, playing No. 3 singles, each won their matches decisively, to playing their No. 1 (singles) player to the NAIA foes. again, he’s the best in the conference,” Two singles matches went to the both beating their opponents 6-1, 6-2. The Pirates closed out the regular Redfern said. “We also have a new linethird set, including No. 1 singles player Daniel Redfern who fell 4-6, 6-0, 6-3. season at home on Saturday with a up for the match so we’ll see how that The other was freshman Chris Engel- close 5-4 loss to the Bruins of George goes.” The match will be played at the Bratmann who lost in No. 5 singles 3-6, 6-4, Fox University. Photographer: Greg Moser Redfern and Spaun had another ton Tennis Center at Whitman College Senior Daniel Redfern serving in 6-2. Two of the three doubles matches close doubles match, this time coming on April 21. his doubles match against George were within four games of each other up just short in a 9-7 loss. Fox at Saturday’s games. Redfern “We lost a pretty tough one on Satur- Contact Nathan Webber at as well, but the Warriors were too much and his partner, junior Micah day,” Redfern said. “We almost had the nathanwebber13@my.whitworth.edu. Spaun, were defeated 9-7. for the Pirates.