Poltavski Finishes Strong, but George Fox Defeats Bearcats, 6-3

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

SALEM, Ore. -- George Fox University lost the top two matches in singles and the top match in doubles, but the Bruins defeated Willamette University, 6-3, on Sunday, April 19 at the WU Tennis Courts.

The Bruins improved to 10-9 overall, 6-6 in the Northwest Conference. Willamette finished its season at 2-17, including 1-11 in the NWC.

Willamette honored seniors Denise Poltavski (Sr., Woodland Hills, CA/El Camino Real HS) and Emily Guimont (Jr., El Dorado Hills, CA/Folsom HS) prior to the match. Poltavski recorded two of Willamette's three wins on the day with victories at #1 singles and #1 doubles.

In the #1 singles match, Poltavski rallied past Sarah Tuemmler after dropping the first set. Poltavski won the second set and then outscored Tuemller in a super tie-breaker played instead of a third set. Poltavski was victorious, 1-6, 6-3, 10-4.

Poltavski and freshman Mikaila Smith (Mill Valley, CA/Tamalpais HS) combined to win #1 doubles over the GFU team of Tuemmler and Chantelle Hadeed, 8-2. Smith also triumphed against Hadeed at #2 singles in a super tie-breaker, winning 3-6, 7-5, 12-10.

This season, Poltavski was 11-6 in singles, while Smith went 12-6. In doubles competition, Poltavski and Smith earned a 10-8 overall record. During her Willamette career, Poltavski achieved a 44-18 singles record in matches played during the spring.

GFU won #2 and #3 doubles. In the #2 match, Taylor Barnes and Catrina Kwong downed Katie Adams and Guimont, 8-1. At #3 doubles, Krista Rey and Ali Diehl defeated Ellen Rumley and Ashley Evans, 8-1. The Bruins added wins from #3 through #6 singles, with all four wins recorded in straight sets.