The University of Washington men’s tennis team lost to Southern California, ranked No. 20, by a score of 4-0 in a conference match on April 17 at the Bill Quillian Tennis Stadium in Seattle. The Huskies now hold an overall record of 8-16 and are 2-10 in Big Ten play.
This loss comes as the team prepares for its final spring match against UCLA, which will also serve as Senior Day. The event is scheduled for Sunday at noon with celebrations beginning at 11:45 a.m.
Junior Soham Purohit was absent from the lineup for the first time this season due to inactivity. His absence led to changes in both doubles and singles lineups, with Stephane Kamendje moving up to play alongside Brett Pearson at No. 1 doubles and taking over the top singles spot for his first time this season. Despite some early success—freshmen Hyeonseok Seo and Daniel Bien won their doubles match—the Trojans ultimately secured the doubles point by winning two out of three matches.
In singles play, all Washington players moved up from their usual positions due to Purohit’s absence. Southern California capitalized on these changes by winning three straight-set matches needed to clinch victory. Three matches involving Rohan Belday, Brett Pearson, and Daniel Bien were left unfinished when USC reached four points first; notably, Bien returned from injury for his first start since missing several weeks and had one of the day’s most competitive showings before his match was halted.
The Huskies’ next appearance will be against UCLA during Senior Day festivities where senior Brett Pearson will be honored.
