Contact: Mark Albanese, Director of Sports Communication

Box Score

LAKEWOOD, Wash. – Niko Convento rolled to his sixth consecutive victory at No. 1 singles but it was enough as the Pacific Lutheran University men's tennis squad fell 8-1 to Northwest Conference rival Linfield College on Sunday at the Holce Tennis Center, snapping the Lutes' three match win streak.

"It was a tough match today," said Head Coach Matt Look. "The doubles at No. 1 and No. 2 was neck and neck, and it came down to a couple critical moments but we couldn't quite get over the hump. We battled as hard as we could in singles, but it's always challenging to come back from an 0-3 deficit. Niko continues to impress with a dominant performance, and should be in the conversation for All-Conference."

The Lutes' (5-6, 2-4 NWC) Convento collected his 11th victory of the season at No. 1 singles, downing the Wildcats' (4-9, 1-3 NWC) Luis Rojas, 6-2, 6-0. Chan Thourk battled hard at No. 4 before eventually succumbing, 6-1, 7-6 (8-6), while Branson Near was edged, 7-5, 6-3, at No. 5.

In doubles, Convento and Jake Kim came up short 8-5 at No. 1 while DeMattos and Thourk fell by a razor thin 9-7 margin at No. 2.

PLU opens up its spring break tour of California on Tuesday, battling Biola University at 2 p.m.

"We're looking forward to our matches this week in LA. It will be a welcome chance to play relaxed and free, even in the face of some quality teams."