De Crinis and Suzuki Win at #1 Doubles, but Bearcats Fall to Loggers 5-4

Richelle Suzuki follows through on a shot.
Richelle Suzuki (So., Mililani, HI/Mililani HS)

By Timothy Walsh, Athletics Communications Assistant

TACOMA, Wash. -- Alexa De Crinis (Fy., Makawao, HI/Seabury Hall School) earned a victory at #1 singles and teamed with Richelle Suzuki (So., Mililani, HI/Mililani HS) for a win at #1 doubles, but a shorthanded squad from the University of Puget Sound swept the Bearcats in the other competitive matches, as the Loggers earned a 5-4 win on Saturday, Sept. 17 at the PS Tennis Pavilion. Although Willamette and Puget Sound are both members of the Northwest Conference, the match was a non-conference contest.

De Crinis rolled past Zoe Love 6-1, 6-2 in her singles victory, while she and Suzuki defeated Laura Schneidman and Hyla Chatham 8-4 for the Bearcats' doubles win. The Loggers had just five players, so UPS forfeited the #3 doubles and #6 singles matches to Willamette.

Puget Sound took wins at #2 doubles and #2, #3, #4, and #5 singles, although Chatham needed a tiebreaker to edge past Ruby Blake (Jr., La Crosse, WI/Central HS) at the #3 singles spot.

The Bearcats will complete their fall season next weekend at the ITA Northwest Regional Championships in Walla Walla, Wash. Play will begin on Friday, Sept. 23 and continue through Monday, Sept. 26.