NEWBERG, Ore. = The Pacific Lutheran University men's tennis team was unable to keep pace with nationally-ranked George Fox University in Saturday's Northwest Conference opener, falling 9-0 to the host Bruins. 

"It was a tough match today. George Fox is probably the best team in the league," said Head Coach John Campbell. "Although most guys played good tennis, we were a little outmatched today. Justin and Hampus played great doubles at 2, and Branson played well battling in a close loss."

The Lutes' (3-3, 0-1 NWC) Justin deMattos and Hampus Pers Eliasson proved a worthy opponent at No. 2 doubles before ultimately bowing down to the Bruins' Alex Namba and Luke Lemaitre by an 8-4 scoreline. Michael Campbell and Marcus Lee battled hard at No. 1 but ultimately fell 8-2.

In singles, Branson Near provided a stiff test at No. 6, stumbling 6-3, 6-4, while Jake Kim ended up on teh wrong side of a, 6-1, 6-2, scoreline at No. 5. At the top spot, Campbell suffered just his second singles setback of the dual slate, stumbling, 6-2, 6-0, to Will Leach. 

The Bruins headed into the conference opener ranked 28th in the nation in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association rankings. 

PLU is back in action on Sunday morning with a 10 a.m. match against 27th-ranked Lewis & Clark College. 

"We will build on this experience and get better. We're mentally moving on to get ready for a competitive match with Lewis & Clark tomorrow."