On March 7 the Linfield women’s tennis team beat the George Fox Bruins 9-0.
The women’s match congregated more than 50 spectators, which is an amazing turnout of support.
The warm spring weather made for some high energy and spirits for the Wildcats as they tirelessly battled the Bruins on the court.
The match began with doubles. Linfield seniors Kaila Nip and Kelly Watanabe made great strides in their game full of tight rallies and serves, finally taking the win 8-2.
Nip and Watanabe’s communication with each other was perfectly in sync as they anticipated each other’s moves.
Freshman Ella Riddle and sophomore Mackenzie Fraser also won their doubles game 8-2, and freshmen Basia Kopecka and Courtney Hammagren won theirs 8-1.
This was the team’s first home match of the season and they truly took the court by storm. The high energy from the crowd really inspired the girls to play top notch.
“Today’s match went really well,” Watanabe said. “I think we are all happy to be at home this weekend and to be playing outside.”
Each team member on the court showed astounding effort in each game.
“Everyone on the team contributed to today’s win against George Fox,” Watanabe said. “It was nice to have families and friends there to cheer us on.”
Nip’s mother came out to support her in her match all the way from Maui.
During breaks in the match she handed out macadamia nuts and offered Spam Musubi to the spectators in the crowd, which made for a very family-friendly atmosphere.
Watanabe’s mother was also in the crowd to support her daughter.
“We try to be here for every match we can,” Watanabe’s mother said, who comes from Kirkland, Washington.
All of the parents in the crowd were incredibly supportive of their athletes.
A sweep in doubles is always a good start for the team, and the ladies did an amazing job of carrying that momentum into singles.
Riddle won her singles 6-6, 6-3, which was the same case for Kopecka, as well as Marisa Doveri.
Hammagren won her singles at 6-0, 6-4, and sophomore Marisa Kume won hers 6-3, 6-3.
The Wildcats’ next match will be an away match against Lewis and Clark at 4 p.m. on March 13.