Whitworth Women Defeat Willamette, 9-0, in Spokane

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

SPOKANE, WASH. -- Whitworth University defeated Willamette University, 9-0, in women's tennis on Saturday, March 29 at the Scotford Tennis Center. Whitworth improved to 12-3 on the season and 10-1 in the Northwest Conference. Willamette fell to 4-10 overall, 4-7 in the NWC.

The Pirates overcame strong challenges in two of the singles matches. At #3 singles, Linh Aven rallied for a narrow victory over Alaine Anderson (Sr., Santa Ana, CA/Foothill HS) that included a tie-breaker in the second set, plus a super tie-breaker to decide the winner. Aven managed to claim 2-6, 7-6 (7-2), 10-4 win.

At #6 singles, Taryn Smith of Whitworth outlasted Samantha Wong (Fr., Honolulu, HI/Iolani HS) of Willamette in two close sets. Smith eventually won, 6-4, 7-6 (10-8).

The Bearcats also provided strong opposition at #2 doubles, as Tiffany Kam (Sr., Pearl City, HI/Punahou School) and Abby Funabiki (Jr., Pullman, WA/Pullman HS) battled Whitworth's team of Rachel Burns and Justine Hays. Burns and Hays won the match, 8-5.

Willamette will host two NWC matches next weekend. The Bearcats are scheduled to take on George Fox University on Friday, April 4, starting at 3 p.m. (PDT). WU will play Lewis & Clark College on Saturday, April 5, with match time set for 10 a.m. (PDT). Both matches will be held at the the Willamette University Tennis Courts.

Saturday, March 29
At Scotford Tennis Center, Spokane, Wash.

Whitworth University 9, Willamette University 0

Singles
#1 - Rachel Burns (WHTW) defeated Tiffany Kam (WU), 6-0, 6-4
#2 - Lexy Harrington (WHTW) defeated Alyssa Morrison (WU), 6-4, 6-1
#3 - Linh Aven (WHTW) defeated Alaine Anderson (WU), 2-6, 7-6 (7-2), 10-4*
#4 - Katie Staudinger (WHTW) defeated Abby Funabiki (WU), 6-1, 6-1
#5 - Justine Hays (WHTW) defeated Jamie Slonaker (WU), 6-1, 6-1
#6 - Taryn Smith (WHTW) defeated Samantha Wong (WU), 6-4, 7-6 (10-8)

Doubles
#1 - Harrington and Aven (WHTW) defeated Anderson and Slonaker (WU), 8-3
#2 - Burns and Hays (WHTW) defeated Kam and Funabiki (WU), 8-5
#3 - Staudinger and Smith (WHTW) defeated Morrison and Wong (WU), 8-1

* Tie-breaker played instead of a third set

Records: Whitworth is 12-3 overall, 10-1 in the NWC; Willamette is 4-10 overall, 4-7 in the NWC.