Caltech Sweeps Doubles in 6-3 Victory over Willamette

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

PASADENA, Calif. -- California Institute of Technology won all three doubles matches, helping the Beavers defeat Willamette University, 6-3, in men's tennis on Wednesday, March 25. Caltech, ranked #13 in the West Region of NCAA Division III, upped its record to 5-5 on the season. Willamette fell to 2-9.

The Bearcats competed without top singles players Sam Wexman for the fifth consecutive match due to injury.

Caltech's sweep of doubles included a win by Ruthwick Pathireddy and Sathwick Pathireddy in the #1 match over Gunnar Lee (Jr., Hilo, HI/St. Joseph HS) and Shrujan Kalidindi (Jr., Cupertino, CA/Monta Vista HS), 8-2.

At #2 doubles, Morgan Lebby and RushikeshJoshi outscored Jacob Blaisdell (Fr., Honolulu, HI/Punahou School) and Derek Lund (Fr., Helena, MT/Capital HS), 8-5, The #5 doubles match also was decided at 8-5, with Fabio Arai and Alexander Henry downing Blake Brash (Jr., Boise, ID/Boise HS) and Samuel Rowe (Fr., Andover, MA/Andover HS).

Willamette split the singles matches, earning wins at #2, #5 and #6. Jack Schreiber (Sr., Solana Beach, CA/The Grauer School) earned the win at #2 in a tight match against Joshi. Schreiber prevailed 6-4, 7-6 (7-3). Blaisdell won at #5, edging out Henry in the first set, 6-4, before sweeping to a 6-0 victory in the second set. At #6, Lund defeated Arai, 6-2, 6-1.

The battle between Brash and Sathwick Pathireddy was decided in a super tie-breaker played instead of a third set. The first set went into a regular tie-breaker, with Brash winning, 7-6 (7-4). Pathireddy took the second set, 6-4, and then outlasted Brash in a marathon super tie-breaker, 17-15.

Ruthwick Pathireddy held off Lee of Willamette at #1 singles for a 6-3, 6-4 win. Lebby downed Kalidindi at #4 singles, 6-2, 6-1.

Willamette's next match is on Saturday, April 4 at home against George Fox University. The start time for the Northwest Conference match is slated for 1 p.m. (PDT) at the WU Tennis Courts.