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

SPOKANE, WASH. -- Whitworth University prevailed at #1 singles and #1 doubles, sending the Pirates on their way to defeating Willamette University, 8-1, in a Northwest Conference women's tennis match on Sunday, Feb. 17 at the Scotford Tennis Center. Whitworth upped its record to 1-2 overall, 1-1 in the NWC. Willamette fell to 0-3 overall, 0-2 in the NWC.

Willamette freshman Yasmine Genena (Portland, OR/Lake Oswego HS) achieved a win for the Bearcats at #6 singles. She downed Annika Westre of Whitworth, 6-2, 6-4.

Saryn Mooney of Whitworth outlasted Denise Poltavski (So., Woodland Hills, CA/El Camino Real HS) at #1 singles in two competitive sets. Mooney prevailed in the first set, 7-6, after winning a tie-breaker, 8-6. In the second set, Mooney attained another 6-3 victory.

At #2 singles, Whitworth's Jessi Steele gained an edge on Sabrina Gutierrez (Jr., Newbury Park, CA/Newbury Park HS) of Willamette to win the first set, 6-3. Steele also won the second set, 6-3.

The Pirates added wins at #3, #4, and #5 singles in straight sets.

Mooney was paired with Taylor Pena to form the #1 doubles team for the Pirates. They defeated Poltavski and Gutierrez, 8-4. In #2 doubles, Steele and Westre downed Rachel Heringer (Fr., Salem, OR/South Salem HS) and Stephanie Matsuura (Fr., Hilo, HI/Waiakea HS) of Willamette, 8-2. Whitworth also won at #3 doubles.

Willamette will play its first home match of the season on Friday, Feb. 22 at the Courthouse Tennis Center (1379 Madison St. NE) against Lewis & Clark College. Match time is set for 6 p.m. (PST).