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

SALEM, ORE. -- Willamette University women's tennis players Shannon Palmer (Sr., Salem, OR/Sprague High School) and Sabrina Gutierrez (So., Newbury Park, CA/Newbury Park HS) are listed at #11 in doubles in the NCAA Division III West Region Preseason Rankings released by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association.

In addition, Palmer is ranked #21 in the West Region in singles. Palmer reached the quarterfinals of the USTA/ITA Pacific Northwest Fall Championships hosted by Willamette in early October. She was defeated in the quarterfinals by eventual champion Alyssa Roberg of Whitman College.

Palmer and Gutierrez advanced to the semifinals of the Pacific Northwest Championships in doubles before losing to the eventual champions, Roberg and teammate Courtney Lawless from Whitman.

Last spring, the Willamette women's tennis team achieved a 10-7 record, placed fourth in the NWC at 7-5 and advanced to the NWC Championship Tournament. Palmer and Gutierrez were both chosen Second Team All-NWC. Palmer previously was named First Team All-NWC as a freshman in 2009.

In the spring of 2011, Palmer achieved a 9-6 record in singles, including 8-6 at #2 singles. Gutierrez was 12-3 in singles, with a 7-0 at the #3 position and a 3-1 record at #3 singles.

Palmer and Natalia Agarycheva (Sr., in 2010-11, Vancouver, WA/Prairie HS/Univ. of Northern Colorado) qualified for the NCAA Division III National Championships before losing to the top seeded team in the first round. Palmer and Agarycheva finished the year with a 14-3 doubles record.

The Bearcats, under the guidance of Head Coach Becky Roberts, were #10 in the final West Region Team Rankings last year. Regional team rankings for 2011-12 will not be available until the spring season is underway.