Box Score SPOKANE, Wash. – A touch start during doubles play ultimately led the Pacific Lutheran University men's tennis team to a 7-2 loss at Whitworth University on Saturday morning.
 
"After a slow start in doubles, we had really close and competitive matches in singles," said Head Coach John Campbell. "Jake Kim had his best match as a Lute and Branson made a great comeback by totally changing his style of play for a nice win."
 
The host Pirates (6-11, 4-3 NWC) pulled out victories in all three doubles matches. The Lutes' (4-11, 1-7 NWC) struggled with each squad falling 8-4.
 
Kim and Near would both go on to win their singles matches. Kim fought for his 7-6, 6-3 victory of Cameron Brewer at the No. 5 spot while Near tallied the Lutes' second win walking away with the, 1-6, 6-4, 1-0 (10-8), decision.
 
The Lutes will play the final match of the regular NWC season next Saturday at 10 a.m. at Puget Sound.