by Andrew Forhan
Assistant Sports Editor
The Whitworth men’s tennis team opened the 2012 season with three non-conference matches, earning its first season win against the College of Idaho after dropping two matches against Eastern Washington University and Lewis-Clark State College.
On Jan. 29, the Bucs were swept 9-0 by the NCAA Division I Eastern Washington Eagles. Senior Daniel Redfern performed well for the Pirates, playing a close match at No. 1 singles be- fore eventually falling 6-2, 6-4. He also teamed up with junior Cameron Williams at No. 1 doubles in an 8-4 loss to James Russell and Chris Eriksson.
Lewis-Clark State defeated Whitworth 8-1 on Feb. 4, before bouncing back with a victory over the College of Idaho later that day.
Redfern had the only individual win for the Pirates against Lewis-Clark State, defeating Cesar Uauy 6-1, 6-4.
But it was a different story against the College of Idaho, as the Pirates swept the Yotes 9-0.
Redfern’s 6-1, 6-4 victory at No. 1 singles was his second of the young season, and junior Micah Spaun stepped in at No. 2 singles to claim a dominant 6-2, 6-1 victory.
The closest match-up was at No. 6 singles, where freshman Matt Goebel defeated Taylor Gordon 7-5, 6-1 for his first collegiate victory.
The Pirates open up conference play against Puget Sound on Feb. 24.
Contact Andrew Forhan at aforhan14@my.whitworth.edu.