Nationally-Ranked Linfield Defeats Bearcats in Women's Tennis, 9-0

By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

McMINNVILLE, Ore. -- Linfield University, ranked #34 in the nation in the NCAA Division III Preseason Poll released by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA), downed Willamette University, 9-0, on Saturday, March 4 in a Northwest Conference women's tennis match at Rutschman Field House. Linfield, which is listed at #8 in the West Region rankings, advanced its record to 4-1 on the season, 1-0 in the NWC. Willamette fell to 0-4 overall, 0-1 in the NWC.

Linfield claimed a 3-0 lead in doubles and then won all six singles matches in straight sets. For the Bearcats, Alexa de Crinis (Fy., Makawao, HI/Seabury Hall School) played an outstanding match at #2 singles before she was held off in each set by Sarah Forester, 6-4, 6-4. At #2 singles, Taryn Fujimori of the Wildcats defeated Richelle Suzuki (So., Mililani, HI/Mililani HS) from Willamette, 6-2, 6-0. Other winners for Linfield in singles action were Allena Wong at the #3 position, Amma Tuttle at #4, Lisa Ponti at #5, and Alexis Garner at #6.

The top doubles match was won by Linfield's #1 team of Lexie Matsunaga and Wong, as they downed Suzuki and Anika Groener (So., Bend, OR/Summit HS), 8-2. The #2 doubles match was won by Fujimori and Tuttle for the Wildcats, with Forester and Garner earning a victory at #3 doubles.

Willamette will host Lewis & Clark College on Sunday, March 5 at the Salem Tennis and Swim Club. Match time is scheduled for 11 a.m. (PST).