By Charlie McGuire, Athletics Communications Assistant

TACOMA, Wash. – The Willamette University women's tennis team had a strong individual performance from Anika Groener (Fy., Bend, OR/Summit) on Saturday, April 9 at Pacific Lutheran University. Groener earned both points in a 7-2 setback to the Lutes. The Bearcats fell to 0-6 on the season and 0-5 in the Northwest Conference. PLU improved to 3-10 and 1-4.

Groener teamed with partner Richelle Suzuki (Fy, Mililani, HI/Mililani HS) for an 8-3 win in the top doubles flight. Groener added another point in the second singles flight with a (6-4, 6-2) victory.

Suzuki battled in the top singles match before dropping a three-set decision. She fell in the first and third sets, 6-2, but took the second 7-5. Camille Gibney (Sr., La Crescenta, CA/Crescenta Valley HS) went (6-3, 6-3) in the third while Ruby Blake (So., La Crosse, WI/Central HS) put up a challenge at number four, (6-3, 6-4). McKenna Turner (So., Junction City, OR/Junction City HS) took five games in the fifth flight (6-2, 6-3).

The Bearcats return to action on Sunday, traveling to the University of Puget Sound. Match time is scheduled for 11 a.m. (PDT)