By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

FULLERTON, Calif. -- Willamette University received two wins by default in its match against Hope International University on Monday, March 25, as the Bearcats defeated the Regals, 7-2. Willamette, which competes in NCAA Division III and the Northwest Conference, evened its record at 3-3. Hope International, which is a member of the NAIA and the Golden State Athletic Conference, fell to 5-13 overall.

Hope International defaulted at #3 doubles and #6 singles. The Bearcats triumphed in both of the contested doubles matches and added victories in three of the five contested singles matches. Both of Willamette's losses, at #2 singles and #4 singles, were in super tie-breakers played instead of a third set after the Bearcats clinched the overall win.

"The team made a big improvement today during our second match of the trip," Willamette Head Coach Bryce Parmelly said. "The connection was better, and the team played a lot more assertive, which was really fun to see."

At #1 doubles, Willamette's team of Sarah Dean (So., Boise, ID/Timberline HS) and Robin Pashek (So., The Dalles, OR/The Dalles-Wahtonka HS) downed Kristen Russo and Matea Ancheta of HIU, 8-4. Siena Ginsburg (So., Bend, OR/Summit HS) and Hannah Andres (Sr., Sammamish, WA/Skyline HS) of WU won a close match against Jessica Ulloa and Lauren Macdonell, 8-6.

Dean battled Russo in the #1 singles match, with the Willamette sophomore winning both sets, 6-3, 7-5. Ginsburg rolled past Ancheta at #3 singles, 6-2, 6-2. At #5 singles, Rachel Kong (Sr., Hayward, CA/Castro Valley HS) put up a 6-2, 6-3 victory over Kayla Jensen of HIU, 6-2, 6-3.

Ulloa won for the Regals at #2 singles, edging out Pashek, 7-5, 5-7, 11-9. In the #4 singles match, Macdonnell rallied past Sylvia Marr (So., Grants Pass, OR/Hidden Valley HS) of Willamette, 1-6, 7-6 (7-4), 10-7.

Willamette will taken on Occidental College in Los Angeles, California, on Tuesday, March 26. Match time is slated for 5 p.m. (PDT). The Bearcats will complete their Spring Break Trip by playing against Colby College (Maine) on Thursday, March 28 in Claremont, California.

Big Moment of the Match for Willamette

Sarah Dean won in straight sets at #1 singles, as she defeated
Kritsen Russo, 6-3, 7-5. Dean and Robin Pashek also picked up
a victory at #1 doubles, as they outscored Russo, and Matea
Ancheta, 8-4.