Willamette Rallies Past Lewis & Clark, 5-4

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

SALEM, ORE. -- Willamette University rallied from a 2-1 deficit after the doubles competition to defeat Lewis & Clark College, 5-4, in a Northwest Conference women's tennis match at the Courthouse Tennis Club on Saturday, April 5. The Bearcats improved to 6-10 overall, 6-7 in the NWC. Lewis & Clark dropped to 10-6 overall, 10-4 in the NWC.

The Pioneers won the top two doubles matches and also won #1 and #2 singles. Willamette was victorious at #3 doubles and claimed wins from #3 through #6 in singles. The decisive victory was earned by Jamie Slonaker (Fr., Bainbridge Island, WA/Bainbridge HS) of Willamette when she edged Maggie Peach of L&C at #5 singles, 7-6 (7-5), 2-6, 6-4.

Amalia Nilsson and Whitney DeBree of L&C took the #1 doubles match over Alaine Anderson (Sr., Santa Ana, CA/Foothill HS) and Slonaker, 8-0. Nilsson also won #1 singles, as she downed Tiffany Kam (Sr., Pearl City, HI/Punahou School), 6-1, 6-4.

Despite also losing #2 doubles, the Bearcats stayed close to the Pioneers when Alyssa Morrison (So., Anacortes, WA/Anacortes HS) and Samantha Wong (So., Honolulu,HI/Iolani HS) defeated Paige Earhart and Teresa Kiemnec at #3 doubles, 8-5.

In singles, the #5 match was the only contest to reach a third set. As a result, Slonaker and Peach did not conclude play until the overall match was tied 4-4. Slonaker win over Peach allowed the Bearcats to avenge a 6-3 loss to the Pioneers on March 1.

Willamette will return to the courts on Friday, April 11, when the Bearcats are scheduled to host Linfield College. Match time is set for 3:30 p.m. (PDT) at the Willamette University Tennis Courts.