Gutierrez and Poltavski Lead Bearcats in Women's Tennis

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

SALEM, ORE. -- The Willamette University women's tennis team featured two very successful players during the 2013-14 season. Each contributed in singles, and together they were exceptional in doubles play.

Sabrina Gutierrez (Sr., Newbury Park, CA/Newbury Park HS) and Denise Poltavski (Jr., Woodland Hills, CA/El Camino Real HS) provided many great moments for the Bearcats during the year, including a win over Whitman College in #1 doubles on April 19. Both Willamette players earned First Team All-Northwest Conference honors.

Gutierrez and Poltavski defeated Courtney Lawless and Madison Webster of Whitman, 8-4. The win helped Gutierrez and Poltavski move up to #10 in the West Region rankings released by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) at the end of the season, while Lawless and Webster went to #11 in the West Region.

"Sabrina and Denise are prime examples of Willamette's athletic and academic excellence," said Head Coach Becky Roberts.

Including a loss in the Round of 32 at the Ojai Tournament in California, Gutierrez and Poltavski finished the year with a 13-2 doubles record. Their only other loss was to Katrina Allick and Erin Bell of Whitman on Feb. 22. In between, the Willamette duo won 11 consecutive matches.

For the season, Gutierrez was 10-6 at #1 singles. She finished her Willamette career with a 42-27 overall singles record. In addition to receiving First Team All-NWC recognition this year, she was chosen Second Team All-NWC in each of her first three seasons with the Bearcats.

Poltavski attained a 12-3 record at #2 singles. In three seasons at Willamette, she has built a 34-12 record in singles matches played during the spring. She has been named First team All-NWC twice.