Lewis & Clark Downs Bearcats, 6-3, at Courthouse Tennis Center

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

SALEM, ORE. -- Willamette University won #1 and #2 singles plus #1 doubles, but Lewis & Clark College achieved wins in the remaining singles and doubles matches to defeat the Bearcats, 6-3, on Friday, Feb. 22 at the Courthouse Tennis Center.

At #1 singles, Willamette sophomore Denise Poltavski (Woodland Hills, CA/El Camino Real HS) edged out Aurora Garrison of L&C in a very close match that featured two regular tie-breakers, plus a super tie-breaker. Poltavski won 6-7 (5-7), 7-6, (7-4), 1-0 (10-7).

The match featured plenty of excellent shots by both players. Poltavski recorded some well-placed angled volleys and Garrison periodically registered winners in the corners of the court. Each player occasionally scored points on quality passing shots.

Sabrina Gutierrez (Jr., Newbury Park, CA/Newbury Park HS) of WU triumphed at #2 singles over Olivia Cornell of L&C, 6-2. 6-2. Poltavski and Gutierrez teamed up to win #1 doubles against Garrison and Gillian Lowe, 8-6.

Lewis & Clark won #2 and #3 doubles. In the #2 match, Cornell and Claudia Lew outscored WU's Rachel Heringer (Fr., Salem, OR/South Salem HS) and Stephanie Matsuura (Fr., Hilo, HI/Waiakea HS), 8-4. At #3 doubles, Lisa Osepyan and Isabelle Borris shut out Mandy Carlson (Fr., Boise, ID/Bishop Kelly HS) and Emily Guimont (Fr., El Dorado Hills, CA/Newbury Park HS), 8-0.

The Pioneers also picked up wins from #3 through #6 singles in straight sets. At #3 singles, Lew swept through the first set against Matsuura, 6-0, before claiming a much closer 6-3 win over Matsuura in the second set.

Willamette will return to action right away, as the Bearcats are set to take on Pacific Lutheran University in Parkland, Wash., on Saturday, Feb. 23. Match time is scheduled for 1 p.m. (PST).