Gutierrez and Poltavski Improve to 13-1, but Whitman Defeats Bearcats, 6-3

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

WALLA WALLA, WASH. -- Willamette University's #1 doubles team of Sabrina Gutierrez (Sr., Newbury Park, CA/Newbury Park HS) and Denise Poltavski (Jr., Woodland Hills, CA/El Camino Real HS) improved to 13-1, but the Whitman College women's tennis team defeated Willamette University, 6-3, in a Northwest Conference match on Saturday, April 19.

Gutierrez and Poltavski also advanced their doubles record to 11-1 in conference matches by defeating Whitman's team of Courtney Lawless and Madison Webster, 8-4. Gutierrez also earned a victory at #1 singles, while Poltavski triumphed at #2 singles.

Whitman, ranked #27 in NCAA Division III and #5 in the West Region, improved to 13-10 overall, 11-0 in the Northwest Conference. The Bearcats concluded their season at 5-9, including 3-9 in the NWC.

Gutierrez moved past Erin Bell in the top singles match, 6-1, 6-4. Poltavski won in straight sets over Allie Wallin in the #2 match, 6-2, 6-2.

The Missionaries garnered victories from #3 singles through #6 singles. At #5 singles, Olivia Bates won 6-2, 6-4, as she held off a challenge from Emily Guimont (Jr., El Dorado Hills, CA/Folsom HS) in the second set. At #6 singles, Seana Minuth won a competitive set from Olina Cavedoni (Fr., Kamuela, HI/Hawaii Preparatory Academy) before surging through the second set in a 6-3, 6-0 win.

Whitman held a 2-1 lead in doubles by winning the #2 and #3 matches.

Jenna Dobrin and Hannah Palkowitz outlasted Willamette's team in the #2 match, as they defeated Guimont and Alicia Sohn (Fr., Tustin, CA/Arnold O. Beckman HS), 8-6. Wallin and Minuth prevailed in the #3 match, 8-1, against Nebraska Lucas (Fr., Portland, OR/Cleveland HS) and Taylor Coggeshall (Fr., Sacramento, CA/Rio Americano HS).