By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

FULLERTON, Calif. -- Willamette University defeated shorthanded Hope International University, 9-0, in women's tennis on Tuesday, March 27, as the Royals had only three players and were forced to default in two doubles matches and three singles matches. Willamette advanced its record to 6-6 on the season. Hope International dropped to 0-13.

Hope has four players on its roster, but only three were able to compete on Tuesday. HIU Head Coach Michael Longanecker was hired in early December of 2017 and has not had a chance to add new players.

The Bearcats won the four matches that were contested. At #1 doubles, Mikaila Smith (Sr., Mill Valley, CA/Tamalpais HS) and Robin Pashek (Fr., The Dalles, OR/The Dalles-Wahtonka HS) of Willamette downed Jovana Milosevic and Matea Ancheta, 8-4. Smith breezed past Milosevic in the first set at #1 singles, 6-1, and then held off Milosevic in the second set, 6-3. 

Sarah Dean (Fr., Boise, ID/Timberline HS) was victorious at #2 signles against Ancheta, 6-2, 6-1. Sylvia Marr (Fr., Grants Pass, OR/Hidden Valley HS) won #3 singles over Jasmine Hyacinth, 6-1, 6-0.

"Robin Pashek and Mikaila Smith played super aggressive doubles today," Willamette Head Coach Bryce Parmelly said. "Afterwards, Mikaila, Sarah Dean and Sylvia Marr locked down their three singles matches in straight sets."

Willamette will conclude its Spring Break trip to Southern California with a match at Whitttier College on Wednesday, March 28. The action is set to begin at 5 p.m. (PDT) in Whittier, California.