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

WALLA WALLA, WASH. -- A strong Whitman College women's tennis team -- ranked #16 in NCAA Division III by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) -- defeated Willamette University, 8-1, on Saturday, Feb. 22 in a Northwest Conference match at the Bratton Tennis Center.

The Bearcats registered their lone victory at #2 singles, where Denise Poltavski (Jr., Woodland Hills, CA/El Camino Real HS) downed Jenna Dobrin of Whitman, 6-2, 6-2.

Poltavski and doubles partner Sabrina Gutierrez (Sr., Newbury Park, CA/Newbury Park HS) played an exciting match at #1 doubles, but fell to Whitman's top team of Katrina Allick and Erin Bell. Allick and Bell achieved an 8-6 win.

The Missionaries also gathered wins at #2 and #3 doubles.

Whitman's five wins in singles play were all earned in straight sets. At #1 singles, Courtney Lawless defeated Gutierrez, 6-1, 6-1.

Willamette's next match is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 28, when the Bearcats will host the University of Puget Sound. Match time at the Courthouse Tennis Center (1379 Madison St. NE) is set for 4 p.m. (PST).