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

SPOKANE, WASH. -- Whitworth University won all six singles matches to defeat Willamette University, 8-1, in the Northwest Conference women's tennis opener for both teams on Friday, Feb. 21 at the Scotford Tennis Center. The Pirates and the Bearcats each ended the day at 1-1 on the season, with Whitworth 1-0 in the NWC and Willamette 0-1.

The Bearcats picked up a win at #1 doubles as senior Sabrina Gutierrez (Newbury Park, CA/Newbury Park HS) and junior Denise Poltavski (Woodland Hills, CA/El Camino Real HS) worked together to down Saryn Mooney and Taylor Pena, 8-4.

Whitworth prevailed in the remaining doubles matches. At #2, Bella Hoyos and Morgan McDivitt defeated WU's team of Nebraska Lucas (Fr., Portland, OR/Cleveland HS) and Alicia Sohn (Fr., Tustin, CA/Arnold O. Beckman HS), 8-1.

The #3 doubles match was won by Hannah Wallin and Anabelle Burns of Whitworth by an 8-3 margin over Taylor Coggeshall (Fr., Sacramento, CA/Rio Americano HS) and Emily Guimont (So., El Dorado Hills, CA/Folsom HS).

Mooney outlasted Gutierrez at #1 singles, 6-2, 6-3, to lead the Pirates' set of wins in singles action. Whitworth won each singles match in straight sets, except at #3 singles, where Hoyos was leading 5-0 in the first set, when Sohn of Willamette had to retire.

Willamette will remain on the road to take on Whitman College in Wall Walla, Wash., on Saturday, Feb. 22. Match time is set for 12 p.m. (PST).