By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- The Willamette University women's tennis team will open the 2020-21 season with a pair of home matches against Whitman College on Saturday, March 6 and Sunday, March 7 at the Salem Tennis and Swim Club. The match on Saturday will start at 2:15 p.m. (PST) and will count toward the Northwest Conference standings. Sunday's match, which will be non-conference, is set to start at 8 a.m. (PST). Spectators will not be allowed to attend either match.

It's a return to action for the women's tennis team for the first time since March 8, 2020 -- almost exactly a year ago.

"I think I speak for all coaches and athletes that we all are just wanting an opportunity to compete this spring," Willamette Director of Tennis/Head Coach Rick Wood said.

The Bearcats have four seniors on the roster. They are Alyssa Siobhan Oberg (Grad., Roseville, CA/Oakmont HS), Sarah Dean (Sr., Boise, ID/Timberline HS), Siena Ginsburg (Sr., Bend, OR/Summit HS), and Sylvia Marr (Sr., Grants Pass, OR/Hidden Valley HS).

"It's important to me that these seniors get their chance to compete and finish out their final season for Willamette," Wood commented.

Willamette is scheduled to play all eight of the other NWC women's tennis teams in at least one match. The Bearcats will take on several teams twice, with the first match against each opponent counting in the NWC standings.

"COVID took the wind out of our sails last March and it has tested everyone on each team to adapt and support each other for almost a full year. As we begin our spring season, I know that our team is excited to get on the court and represent Willamette University," Wood said. "I am very proud of these players and what they have overcome, and I too am ready to get on the court with the team."