Pilots End Regular Season with Loss to No. 60 Santa Clara
SANTA CLARA, Calif. ---- Senior Jackson Martin and junior Michel Hu Kwo ended the regular season on a high note as they each picked up straight set wins in singles play on Sunday, but the Portland Pilots fell just short in a 5-2 loss to the No. 60 Santa Clara Broncos.
Portland enters the West Coast Conference tournament as the number seven seed after a 2-6 conference record and a 10-11 overall mark. Reflecting the depth of the conference, the No. 60 Broncos finish with a 4-4 conference record, 12-7 overall.
"We battled pretty hard today. Losing was a disappointing way to finish the regular season, but trying to step and take a positive perspective on the season is essential right now,” Portland head coach Aaron Gross said following the match. “Losing two of starting players early in the season put us in a bind and forced some guys to step up. I think as a group we did about as well as can be expected under the circumstances.”
A junior-heavy roster, the Pilots posted wins in the second and fifth spots with excellent performances from Hu Kwo and Martin as both came away with straight set victories in the finale.
Portland also saw strong outings from its top spot as Ratan Gill took reigning WCC Player of the Month and No. 75 ranked John Lamble to three sets. Lamble survived Gill’s rally in the decisive set, escaping with a 6-0, 1-6, 7-5 victory.
“Michel stepped up big time today as did Ratan. Ratan served for the match against one of the best players in the conference before losing in the third,” added Gross. “I was proud of Jackson Martin for overcoming a horrendous day on Friday to get a nice win to end the season. He showed a lot of character today in registering singles and doubles wins in his regular season finale."
The Pilots turn their attention to the WCC Tournament in San Diego beginning Wednesday at the Barnes Tennis Center.
"I'd like to think that if we compete hard in our first round that we have a shot. The guys have put in the work and the physical improvement is clear to me,” Gross commented. “I think we still struggle mentally with some of adversities that we face when we go on the road, particularly to outdoor venues.”
Gross feels the team could do a better job adjusting to situations during the match, adding that the team is definitely ready for the tournament, however.
Portland’s first round match-up appears to be against Saint Mary’s, who lost the final five matches of the regular season and last win came against the Pilots on March 24. Official seedings will be announced Monday.
Exactly one month later, Portland will have the opportunity to avenge the 4-3 loss.
“I'd like our team to go out on Wednesday with a chip on its shoulder. Pre-season we were picked 8th in the conference. We finished 7th in the regular season and I'd like to put a ton of pressure on Wednesday,” commented Gross before the final standings were posted. “They may feel that they are better on paper then us. But, matches aren't played on paper. I have to remind my guys of that sometimes, but I don't think I will have to remind them on Wednesday. We will be ready."
