PORTLAND – San Diego opened West Coast Conference play with a dominating 6-1 victory at Portland on Sunday morning.
 
The five-time WCC Tournament defending champion Toreros, won the doubles point before reeling off four straight singles points to clinch the match.
 
"It was a great team win for this group today," said head coach Ryan Keckley. "We bounced back well after a tough 4-3 loss on the road at Oregon. Portland is well-coached and is one of the more challenging facilities to play at in our conference. We have had some battles with them over the years and always expect a tough match."
 
USD (3-2, 1-0 WCC) have won the doubles point in all five matches this season. David Norfeldt and Guus Koevermans have been a part of each of those points, winning their fifth straight match by taking down Andrew Newell and Nicklas Oberg in the No. 3 spot, 6-1.
 
Nico Borter and Gui Osorio secured the doubles point at the No 2 position with a 6-2 victory against Sema Pankin and Issa Yoshida.
 
"Our doubles continues to play with a lot of momentum," said Keckley. "We have established three very good teams and have gained confidence over the last five matches. This point will be very important for us in our upcoming matches."
 
The Toreros continued their momentum in singles play, earning straight-set victories at the No. 1, 2, 3 and 4 positions.
 
Osorio made quick work of the Pilots (1-5, 0-1 WCC) Tom Hann in the second position, 6-1, 6-1. Borter finished shortly after with a 6-2, 6-3, win at No. 3 against Oberg.
 
August Holmgren provided the clinching point with a 6-4, 6-2, decision against Pankin in the No. 1 spot.
 
Gamerov put the Toreros up 5-0 by taking down Eleftherios Neos, 6-2, 6-4. Yoshida provided the lone point of the day for Portland at the No. 5 spot, defeating Noah Dufort, 6-3, 3-6, 1-0 (10-6).
 
Garrett Kurtz caped the day with a dramatic victory, 2-6, 7-6 (8-6), 1-0 (10-7).
 
"I was really proud of the way Gary and Noah competed at 5 and 6," said Keckley. "It was their first opportunity to see singles play this year. They handled the nerves well and played very disciplined tennis."
 
USD remains on the road next week when it travels to UC Santa Barbara on Sunday.