TACOMA, WASH. - - The University of Puget Sound men's tennis team hosted Linfield University on Saturday to open Northwest Conference play. While the score ended in a 9-0 sweep for the Wildcats, the match was much closer than the numbers suggest. The Loggers pushed Linfield to the limit, with five of the six singles matches coming down to third sets or tiebreakers.

The day started with a competitive round of doubles. At the No.1 and No.2 spots, the Loggers stayed within striking distance, falling just short with scores of 4-6 in both matches. Although Linfield swept the doubles point to take an early lead, Puget Sound responded with a surge of energy once the singles play began, turning nearly every court in a back-and-forth battle.

The top of the lineup set the tone for the afternoon. At No.1 singles, Jason Rowe won his opening set 7-5 before eventually falling in a tight three-set match. Jackson Stumpf followed a similar path at the No.2 spot, taking his first set 6-4 but ultimately dropping the next two. At No.4 singles, Vincent Unpingco showed heart by bouncing back from a first-set loss to win the second-set tiebreaker (10-4) and force a third set.

The longest battle of the day happened at the bottom of the rotation. At No.6 singles, Tyler Blixt fought through a massive 15-13 tiebreaker in the first set. He managed to win the second set 7-6 to keep the match going before Linfield secured the win in the third. At No.5 singles, Reef Gelder also went the distance, playing two sets that were decided by tiebreakers. While the Loggers start the season 0-1 in conference, the team proved they can compete.

What Happens Next

The Loggers are back at the Tennis Pavilion tomorrow, Sunday February 15, to host Pacific at 11 am.