By Tim Heiduk
February 4, 2020
 
(LA MIRADA, Calif.) Westmont men's tennis head coach Mark Basham expects there to be a lot of learning this year for his inexperienced squad that features six underclassmen and only one senior. That learning began today with a shutout loss at NCAA Division II Biola, 0-7.
 
"It was certainly disappointing to lose so decisively," Basham said. "Our guys tried their hardest. We were outmatched though."
 
The Eagles took the point available in doubles after taking victories at both number two and three. The number one match was left unfinished with the score in favor of Biola, 5-3.
 
The home side proceeded to win all six singles matches.
 
Sophomore transfer Abraham Pauta was the closest Warrior, falling in a third set super tiebreak to Quentin Lau at number six, 7-10. He responded to losing the first set 0-6 by winning the second one, 6-3.
 
Freshman Zachary Prince was the next closest Warrior in his first collegiate match, falling 4-6, 4-6 to Logan Blair at number two singles.
 
"Zach really had a crack and I was happy with his performance," Basham said. "He's a tough player for us."
 
Basham was happy with the play of another freshman, Sebastian Vethan.
 
"Sebastian Vethan at number five battled I thought pretty well, even though he lost 6-4, 6-2," Basham said.
 
At number one, Alexei Prokopchuk defeated Matt Alleman 6-1, 6-0. Derek James beat Ryan Chung at number three, 6-0, 6-1, while Edwyn Ramos took down Benjamin Saito at number three, 6-0, 6-2.
 
The Warriors return to action on Saturday when they host Redlands at 1:00 p.m. in their home opener. That is the last match before Westmont begins GSAC play on Feb. 15 at Marymount.