2006 Northwest Conference
Men's Tennis Championships
April 21-22
Yakima Tennis Club, Yakima, Wash.
Ricky Butenko, Pacific Lutheran
Steven Ly, Whitman
Owen Suagee, Linfield
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2006 Northwest Conference April 21-22 Yakima Tennis Club, Yakima, Wash. |
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| Ricky Butenko, Pacific Lutheran |
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Owen Suagee, Linfield |
Men's NWC Tournament Preview
Not unlike previous seasons, the Northwest Conference men’s team title will likely be awarded to one of three teams: Pacific Lutheran, Whitman or Linfield.
Defending champion Pacific Lutheran (17-8 overall, 15-1 NWC) is led by stars Ricky Butenko, Matt Larimore and Ben Schaefer. Other key contributors include Jeff Loranger and David Miller.
PLU split its season series with Whitman (18-6, 14-1 NWC). The Missionaries feature two of the most talented players in the conference, Steven Ly and Phalkun Mam, forming a dangerous 1-2 combination. Whitman hopes to reclaim the team championship it last won in 2004.
Linfield (12-7, 12-4 NWC), which enters the NWC tournament on a four-match winning streak, could pose problems for the two favorites. The Wildcats have steadily improved thoughout the season, relying on rising stars Owen Suagee, Ramsey Selbak and Ian McGrath. Seniors John Yates and Jason Clements are also players to watch. Linfield won back-to-back titles in 2003 and ‘04.
Puget Sound (10-6, 10-6 NWC) is a young and up-and-coming team. With the exception of senior Drew Gemmer, the Loggers are comprised entirely of sophomores and freshmen. Nick Amland, Andrew Oates and Dan Davydou have all posted respectable individual records for UPS.
Whitworth (8-7, 8-9 NWC), which faces UPS in the tournament’s first round, is led by junior Michael Carlson, and sophomores Ed Anegon and Ben Works.
Another emerging young squad is Willamette (5-11, 5-11 NWC), led by first-year coach Jon Endrikat. The Bearcats’ top player is Eric MacMillan.
The NWC tournament format has been tweaked this spring. Only the top six teams qualify for the postseason playoff, instead of the top eight.
Men's NWC Tournament Results and Schedule
FRIDAY
8 a.m.
(4) Puget Sound vs. (5) Whitworth
Noon
(3) Linfield vs. (6) Willamette
3:30 p.m.
(4) Puget Sound or (5) Whitworth vs. (1) Pacific Lutheran
(3) Linfield or (6) Willamette vs. (2) Whitman
SATURDAY
8 a.m.
Third-Place Match
Noon
Championship Match - Courts A and C