NEWBERG, Ore. – Whitman College bounced back Sunday afternoon in fine fashion against George Fox University in Northwest Conference men's tennis action. After suffering a rare defeat Saturday, the Missionaries collected an 8-1 dominating victory over the Bruins.
 
Doubles action favored Whitman (12-7, 8-1 NWC) who collected wins at the number two and three spots. Zach Hewlin and Phillip Locklear were the only Whit duo to come up short in doubles play, falling 9-8 to George Fox's (5-8, 3-4 NWC) number one pair. Robert Carter and Jake Hoeger were solid in an 8-3 win at number two and the Gary Ho-Adam Rapoport duo won in an 8-0 decision they controlled throughout.
 
The Missionaries entered singles play with a 2-1 advantage and won all six matches. Hewlin prevailed in a close 7-6 (9-7), 7-6 (10-8) match against Fox's Spencer Watanabe at the one spot. Although Locklear dropped the first set at number two, he controlled sets two and three on the way to an eventual 4-6, 6-4, 7-5 victory.
 
After playing a long, deciding match yesterday, Petar Jivkov came out primed and ready, registering a quick 6-3, 6-2 win. Ho's dominance carried over from his doubles match as he collected a 6-0, 6-0 singles victory. Hoeger and Alex Noyes both performed well at numbers five and six. Hoeger played to a 7-5, 6-3 win and Noyes wasted little time finishing his 6-0, 6-4 match, which rounded out singles play.
 
The win places Whitman atop the NWC standings, but tied with Pacific University. The Missionaries will return home next weekend for matches against Lewis and Clark State College and Whitworth University. The start time for each match is 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. respectively.