Briggs Grabs Singles Victory at Pacific

FOREST GROVE, Ore. – The Willamette University women's tennis team faced a tough road test on Saturday, falling to Northwest Conference opponent Pacific University 6-1 at the Holce Tennis Courts.

The highlight of the day for the Bearcats came at No. 6 singles, where Katie Briggs battled through a marathon match to secure a victory. After dropping the first set 6-2, Briggs roared back to take the second set 6-4. In a thrilling match tiebreak, Briggs outlasted Pacific's Henleigh Elder 10-7 to claim the point for Willamette.

Pacific took an early lead by sweeping all three doubles matches to earn the doubles point:

• At No. 1 doubles, Reese Beyrouty and Alexa de Crinis fell 6-3 to Chloe Takahashi and Stella Nishimura.

• The No. 2 pair of Eva Lief and Sofia Spencer was defeated 6-4 by Henleigh Elder and Tiara Yeung.

• At No. 3, Grace O'Steen and Marie Tarrab fell 6-0 to Brooke Curtis and Mia Yamaguchi.

In singles play, Pacific controlled the top of the lineup. Alexa de Crinis fought hard at the No. 1 spot but fell 6-4, 6-2 to Takahashi. Sofia Spencer and Reese Beyrouty were both defeated in straight sets at No. 2 and No. 3, respectively, with both matches ending 6-0, 6-0.

Eva Lief (No. 4) and Grace O'Steen (No. 5) also fell in straight sets as the Boxers secured the team win.

The Bearcats will look to bounce back tomorrow, February 15, as they continue their road trip against Linfield University at 9:00 A.M. in McMinnville, Ore.