April 12, 2005

PORTLAND, Ore. - The Intercollegiate Tennis Association released its April 12 ranking on Tuesday morning, placing the University of Portland's men's tennis team at No. 70, the highest in Pilots history. Portland currently boasts a 17-4 overall record and an unblemished 3-0 West Coast Conference mark.

Currently on a five-match winning streak, Portland has won six of its last seven dual matches. Two of those six wins have come against nationally ranked teams. The Pilots took out Oregon, now ranked No. 66, by a score of 4-3 at the Ducks' home facility on March 23. In its last game, Portland defeated No. 74 Montana State University 6-1 in a neutral site match.

"Our ranking is a reflection of the work the guys put into it," Pilots head coach Aaron Gross said. "We have worked very hard this year, and we have a lot of character guys who really care about doing well for each other."

Portland, which ended its regular season this weekend with a three-win weekend in Boise, Idaho, will take the courts next at the WCC Tennis Championship in Malibu, Calif. from April 22 to 24. Two other WCC schools currently join the Pilots in the rankings. Pepperdine is currently ranked No. 8, while San Diego occupies the No. 34 spot.