Team plans to bounce back from two recent losses
By Andy Matarrese
The Portland women's tennis program began its spring season with a sweep of Linfield College, but has been unable to repeat that success, dropping three tough matches to bring its record to 1-3.
In a repeat of last season's victory, the team once again swept Linfield 7-0 on Jan. 18.
The Pilots won each singles match in straight sets, excepting a come-from-behind victory in the No. 1 spot by sophomore Megan Sporndli, scoring 2-6, 7-6 (7-2), 10-4. The team earned the doubles point, winning all three matches, including two 8-0 wins.
"It was a good starter for the season," said sophomore Audree Jenks, who, along with sophomore Anna Gullickson, won her match 8-0.
"It was a good confidence booster," Jenks said.
The team was unable to maintain its momentum into its next match against San Francisco, falling to the Dons with a heart-breaking 4-3 loss on Jan. 26.
The Pilots were able to split the score for singles matches, but with only one victory by Gullickson and Jenks in the doubles matches, the Pilots couldn't secure the doubles point.
Unfortunately, the Pilots were unable to rally back against Northern Arizona University the next day, suffering a 6-1 defeat at the hands of the Lumberjacks.
The total score doesn't reflect the intensity of each match, senior Christie Feyen said, because every pairing was hard fought.
"It was really close the whole time," she said.
Gullickson scored the only point on the singles side, winning 6-3, 6-2 and along with Jenks, clinched the only doubles victory (the duo is currently 3-1). Junior Jenna Tanzer and freshman Stephanie Doolittle were held off in a 9-8 (7-5) tiebreaker and the team was unable to nab the doubles point.
The two losses were a valuable learning experience, according to Jenks.
"They put a little fire under us," she said, adding that Head Coach Susie Campbell-Gross has put a new emphasis on preparation, both mentally and physically. In addition to conditioning, the players have begun journaling their practice experiences.
By keeping track of what they need to work on, Feyen said, they can train more efficiently and effectively.
The team hopes to be the most prepared and primed to compete in every match, win or lose.
"We made this goal to be the number one team in conference at working hard," Jenks said.
In the team's most recent match, the Pilots' Tanzer won the single point in the 6-1 defeat against No. 55 University of Washington on Friday.
Tanzer was able to bring the match to a second-set tiebreaker, then her opponent Vanja Radunovic retired due to injury. Washington swept the doubles point and the remaining five singles matches in straight sets.
Beginning today, the Pilots begin a four-game series at home, starting with a WCC match against No. 58 Saint Mary's.
Jenks predicted that it would be a tough match on both sides.
"No match is going to be easy for them," she said.
Tomorrow and through Monday, the team will face Weber State, Pacific and Gonzaga, respectively.
