Fresno Pacific 8, #41 Sonoma State 1  --  Box Score

FRESNO, Calif.  --  Matt Roberts earned a point at No. 1 singles after his opponent retired due to injury, but that would be the only thing resembling a bright spot for the Sonoma State men's tennis team on Saturday afternoon as they dropped an 8-1 decision on the road to a very talented Fresno Pacific squad.  The Seawolves put up a couple battles, but it wouldn't be enough to upset the Sunbirds as they fall to 2-9 on the season.  FPU, ranked 3rd in the west region, improves to 6-1.

As they are in the process of re-classifying to NCAA Division II status, Fresno Pacific has yet to be given a national ranking.  However, that will change next week when the first national rankings of the spring are released.  The Sunbirds will likely be a top ten team.

Fresno Pacific lost in the NAIA National Championship match last season and they looked every bit the national power on Saturday, streaking to a 3-0 lead after doubles.  The Seawolves' best effort in doubles came at No. 3, where Drexler Dy and Vincent Paganetti were defeated 8-5.

Roberts got the win at No. 1 singles against Amarit Sanchez, the 8th-ranked player in the region in last fall's rankings.  Sanchez won the first set 6-1 and it was tied 2-2 in the second before the Fresno Pacific No. 1 was forced to retire with an injury.

Ryan Harris took a total of four games off Marco Gabriel at No. 3 singles and Paganetti captured three at No. 4 singles.  The Sunbirds, however, were firmly in control throughout.

After a couple of scrimmages - against Grossmount College and their own alumni - the Seawolves will return to competitive play on March 8th when they take on Rollins College in La Jolla.  The next day they meet UC San Diego.