Pacific Lutheran Edges Bearcats in Women's Tennis, 5-4

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

TACOMA, WASH. -- Pacific Lutheran University registered a slim 5-4 victory over Willamette University in Northwest Conference women's tennis action on Saturday, March 7 at the Sprinker Recreation Center. Each team won three singles matches, but the Lutes gained an early lead with two wins in doubles, and maintained the narrow advantage for the win.

PLU moved to 1-4 on the season, 1-4 in the NWC. Willamette ended the match at 0-6 overall, 0-3 in the NWC.

The Bearcats gained victories at #1, #2 and #6 singles, as well as #1 doubles. Denise Poltavski (Sr., Woodland Hills, CA/El Camino Real HS) led the way with a 6-1, 6-3 triumph against Caroline Dreher at #1 singles, 6-1, 6-3. Mikaila Smith (Fr., Mill Valley, CA/Tamalpais HS) downed Allison McClure at #2 singles, 6-3, 6-2.

Katie Adams (Fr., McLean, VA/American International School) of WU battled Stephanie Baker of PLU at #6 singles. Adams recorded an edge in both sets, winning 7-5, 6-3.

Poltavski and Smith combined to win #1 doubles, 8-3, over Dreher and Ingrid Ericksen of Pacific Lutheran. McClure and Megan Beyers won for the Lutes at #2 doubles against Emily Guimont (Jr., El Dorado Hills, CA/Folsom HS) and Alicia Sohn (So., Tustin, CA/Arnold O. Beckman HS) of Willamette, 8-5.

The #3 doubles match was won by PLU's team of Emily Bower and Emily Beemserboer. They defeated Adams and Ellen Rumley, 8-3.

PLU's wins in singles were attained at the #3, #4 and #5 positions. Beyers prevailed at #3 singles against Sohn, 6-4, 6-1. Bower took #4 singles, 6-1, 6-1, against Rumley, while Beemsterboer downed Guimont at #5 singles, 6-2, 6-1.

Willamette will play at University of Puget Sound on Sunday, March 8. Match time in Tacoma, Wash., is set for 10 a.m. (PDT).