Squalicum defeated Ferndale in a Northwest Conference tennis match 5-2 on Wednesday, Sept. 19, at Squalicum.

"It was the closest and longest matches in years for us," Squalicum coach Joe O'Brien said in a phone interview. "All the singles matches were close and exciting to watch."

Squalicum's James Tan defeated Trevor Koehn in the first singles match 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (3) for his first victory.

"He played well. It was good to see," O'Brien said. "We also played well in the doubles matches today."

Squalicum swept the doubles matches. Zach Hart and Aaron Morris defeated Chase Olson and Lyle Hugh 6-1, 6-2. Drew Segren and Kevin Smiley defeated Joshua Mielke and Matt Scott 6-3, 6-1. Carter Nickelson and Neal Crawford defeated Evan Chapin and Liam Dickman 6-0, 6-4.

Tavo O'Connell defeated Taylor Walton in the second singles match 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (10-8).

"Tavo fought well," O'Brien said. "He came back from behind. Taylor is quite a good player. They were really close."

Ferndale's Rafe Stanage defeated Carter Thulin 6-2, 3-6, 7-5 and Nate Fallis defeated Tyler Hoback 6-2, 6-0.

Squalicum's third win in a row makes them now 3-3, 3-3 NWC and they will play at Bellingham on Friday, Sept. 21, while Ferndale (0-6, 0-6) will host Burlington-Edison.

SQUALICUM 5, FERNDALE 2

Singles: James Tan (Squalicum) d. Trevor Koehn 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (3); Tavo O'Connell (Squalicum) d. Taylor Walton 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (10-8); Rafe Stanage (Ferndale) d. Carter Thulin 6-2, 3-6, 7-5; Nate Fallis (Ferndale) d. Tyler Hoback 6-2, 6-0.

Doubles: Zach Hart/Aaron Morris (Squalicum) d. Chase Olson/Lyle Hugh 6-1, 6-2; Drew Segren/Kevin Smiley (Squalicum) d. Joshua Mielke/Matt Scott 6-3, 6-1; Carter Nickelson/Neal Crawford (Squalicum) d. Evan Chapin/Liam Dickman 6-0, 6-4.