The Wildcat women’s tennis team as they took on the George Fox University Bruins on March 14 and the Lewis & Clark College Pioneers on March 15. Both matches came easy for the Wildcats as they swept both the Bruins and Pioneers 8-1 giving the ‘Cats a 3-2 record in the Northwest Conference and a 6-2 record overall.
The first win for the Linfield Women’s Tennis team came from the double matches with the Brigham/Fraser team defeating George Fox 8-1, and the Jernstedt/Mostul team winning 9-7.
“We always try to get off to a good start by winning our doubles matches so we can get our momentum going into the singles matches,” Kume said.
However, the ’Cats weren’t done yet. Wildcat senior Caroline Brigham defeating Fox 6-2 and 6-1. Right after, Kaila Nip dominated with a score of 6-1, 6-1 and soon enough, ‘Cats junior Kelly Watanabe won a thrilling match 4-6, 6-3, 6-2. The wins continued with freshman Marisa Kume winning her match 6-2, 6-2 and freshman Mackenzie Fraser killing the net with scores 6-3, 6-4. Junior Gretchen Jernstedt won her match in three sets with scores of 6-4, 0-6, and 10-3.
“I was really excited to play our first home match and my first match in college,” Kume said. “I think we played really well. Having all of our players and parents in the field house, the atmosphere was great. We had some matches and listening to the cheering from everybody really helped us. I think it was a great team effort.”
Likewise, the ‘Cats performed well against the Pioneers with a score of 8-1. With all players and teams dominating the courts, there is no question that the Wildcats are looking at a strong upcoming season.
“The biggest strength of our team is that we all get along really well and that we all support each other. We all compete with each other really well during practice, so we each get better day by day,” Kume said.
The Wildcats next match will be at home against Spokane Community College on March 21. After watching their current performance, there is no doubt that the Lady ‘Cats tennis team has an exciting season ahead.
Casie Gaza/Senior sports reporter
Senior Caroline Brigham prepares to hit the incoming ball backhanded during the teams single match at home against Lewis & Clark on March 14.
Alex YeCheng Zhang/Senior photographer
Freshmen Lauren Seki hits a ball overhead during her singles match against Lewis & Clark College.
Alex YeCheng Zhang/Senior photographer
