Schreiner Wins Non-Conference Match with Bearcats, 7-2

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

SALEM, ORE. -- Schreiner University, ranked #21 in the West Region of NCAA Division III, defeated Willamette University 7-2 in women's tennis on Wednesday, March 18 at the WU Tennis Courts. Schreiner overcame losses at #1 and #2 singles to advance its record to 9-4. Willamette fell to 0-10 on the season.

Denise Poltavski (Sr., Woodland Hills, CA/El Camino Real HS) of Willamette won the first set at #1 singles, 6-1, before Leanna Haynes of Schreiner took the second set, 6-3. Poltavski rebounded in the third set for a 6-2 triumph to win the match.

At #2 singles, Mikaila Smith (Fr., Mill Valley, CA/Tamalpais HS) prevailed for the Bearcats. Each of the first two sets was close, with Smith winning 7-5 and Alexandra Wheeler of SU claiming a 6-4 victory. Smith won the super tie-breaker played instead of a third set, 10-3.

The Mountaineers downed WU in the remaining singles matches. In the closet set, Katie Watts of Schreiner edged out Alicia Sohn (So., Tustin, CA/Arnold O. Beckman HS) of Willamette in the first set of #5 singles in a tie-breaker, 7-6 (7-3). Watts also won the second set, 6-1.

Schreiner gained a slight advantage at #1 doubles to triumph in a tie-breaker. Haynes and Camila Anguiano outscored Poltavski and Smith, 9-8, including 7-4 in the tie-breaker.

The #2 and #3 doubles matches ended with SU winning by identical 8-3 scores. At #2 doubles, Karyn Swink and Abby Knedlik downed Emily Guimont (Jr., El Dorado Hills, CA/Folsom HS) and Sohn. In the #3 doubles match, Watts and Buczkowski defeated Ellen Rumley (Fr., Anchorage, AK/East Anchorage HS) and Katie Adams (Fr., McLean, VA/American International School).

Willamette's next match is set for Sunday, March 22 at Occidental College (Calif.). Match time is scheduled for 11 a.m. (PDT).