By Jacob Norling
April 6, 2024
 
(RIVERSIDE, Calif.) Westmont Men's Tennis tested themselves against NCAA Division I UC Riverside on Saturday, with the Highlanders getting the better of the Warriors by a score of 4-0.
 
In doubles, the Warriors gave themselves a chance when Logan Thompson Owen Vander Ark defeated Sane Aarav and Ryan Huynh 6-4. Unfortunately for the Warriors, the pairings of Austin Stone and Ethan Ha, and Michael Hopkins and Goor Adiv, both fell 6-1.
 
In singles, only two Warriors were able to force a third set, with Owen Vander Ark and Jarett Navarat each posting second-set wins to prolong their contests. Elsewhere, however, Westmont had already fallen at one, two, and five to give the Highlanders an early clinch.
 
"A highlight for us was our win at number two doubles," offered Westmont head coach Chris Elwood. "They played terrific, and against an 11-ranked UTR team. Elsewhere, we were looking at a few split-sets that didn't get to finish. Jaret came in and played really strong at number six.
 
"Owen played well at number three as well, against a strong DI player who is ranked much higher than him. We were in it, but we just weren't able to get on the board. I do think this is a good sign, particularly when you're playing without your best player (Stone), who has been injured. You're always looking for people to step up, and even though the result won't show it, I do feel that we were competitive today."
 
Westmont will celebrate its senior day on Tuesday at 2:30 p.m., when the team hosts Hope International in Santa Barbara.