TACOMA, Wash. – The Pacific Lutheran University men's tennis team won its third straight match to open the 2020 season.  This afternoon the Lutes knocked off the Sasquatch of the Community Colleges of Spokane 8-1. 
 
"We started out strong by winning all of the doubles with solid play," said PLU Head Coach John Campbell.  "Branson (Near) made a nice comeback after a slow start, pulling off a third set breaker.  Lars Wangen played well and got his first win as a Lute.  We are excited to be improving every week and look forward to our next challenge against Whitworth."
 
PLU (3-0) swept the doubles portion of the dual match to take a 3-0 lead into singles play.  Michael Campbell and Hampus Pers Eliasson teamed up for a decisive 8-1 at the top spot in the lineup.  Ryan Adams and Jake Kim scored an 8-2 win at the No. 2 spot and Branson Near and Derek Stone added an 8-3 victory at No. 3.
 
In singles action, Adams claimed a 6-2, 6-2 victory at the top spot, while Alex Richter matched those set scores with his win at No. 3.  Eliasson was dominant at the second spot in the order, winning 6-3, 6-0 and Wangen won his first set 6-0 before squeaking out a 7-6 second-set 'W' at No. 6. 
 
Branson Near needed three sets to earn the win at No. 4, rallying for a 4-6, 6-4, 10-6 comeback victory, 
 
The Lutes will remain at home next Sunday when they take on Whitworth University at Sprinker Recreation Center.  First serve is scheduled for 10:00 a.m.