FOREST GROVE, Ore. – Pacific Lutheran opened the 2016 spring men's tennis season Saturday afternoon at Holce Tennis Courts, as the Lutes fell to nationally-ranked Pacific 9-0.

The Boxers came into the match ranked 40th in the nation and 10th in the region and having already played three matches. PLU put up a close match in the second doubles contest, as Jeremy Marsh and Marcelo Hernandez-Gamez pushed Nyles Moisson and Ben Ryweck to extra points before falling 9-7. James Okubo and Noel Oteng-Mensah fell 8-3 against Reuben Mulhern and Josh Bernstien in the first doubles match, while Justin deMattos and Alberto Leal fell 8-1 against Brennan Faith and Griffin Fraser to wrap up the doubles round.

The singles round saw Okubo step into the top slot in the lineup to take on Pacific's Brennan, falling 6-0, 6-3. Marsh competed in the second slot against Mulhern, who pulled out a 6-3, 6-2 victory against the Lute senior. Despite the final score, PLU head coach John Cassens praised the approach of the Lutes in their season debut.

"Today's match was well-fought amongst the whole team," Cassens said. "Jeremy and James particularly came out fighting in their matches."

Bernstein defeated Oteng-Mensah 6-1, 6-0 in the third singles slot, while Sage Katayama picked up a 6-2, 6-1 win over deMattos at number four. Moisson defeated Hernandez-Gamez 6-2, 6-1, and Ryweck closed out the day with a 6-1 6-3 win over Chan Thourk.

The Lutes have a quick turnaround from their trip to Oregon, as they return home to host Willamette Sunday at 10:30 a.m. at Sprinker Recreation Center.

"We're looking forward to a good match against Willamette tomorrow," Cassens said.