By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- Willamette University's Sarah Dean (Fr., Boise, ID/Timberline HS) has been chosen as the NWC Women's Tennis Student-Athlete of the Week for her efforts in non-conference matches against George Fox University on Feb. 21 and Lewis & Clark College on Feb. 26. Dean went 2-0 in singles and 2-0 in doubles during the week.

Against George Fox, Dean defeated Sophia Lawrence at #3 singles by winning the first set in a tie-breaker, 7-6 (7-1), and then breezing to a 6-0 win in the second set. In #2 doubles against the Bruins, she combined with Sylvia Marr to edge out Jillian Studer and Lydia Pia in another tie-breaker, 9-8 (7-5). The Bearcats won the team match with the Bruins, 7-2.

Lewis & Clark downed Willamette 7-2 on Sunday, but Dean added two more wins to her record for the season. AT #3 singles, she held off Natasha Hood in the first set, 6-4, and was in front 2-1 in the second set when Hood had to retire due to injury. Dean began the day by winning at #2 doubles with Marr, as they outscored Hood and Riley Hanks, 8-5.

"This award is definitely well deserved," Willamette Head Coach Bryce Parmelly said. "Sarah has worked extremely hard at her tennis since arriving at Willamette six months ago and it really shows. Her hard work, combined with her great attitude, have allowed her to make some major jumps. I'm really happy that she was recognized within the conference."

Dean is 4-1 in singles this season. She also owns a record of 4-1 in doubles.

The Bearcats are 3-2 this spring. They are scheduled to host Whitworth University in a Northwest Conference match on Friday, March 2 at 3 p.m. (PST). The match will be held at the Salem Tennis and Swim Club.