The Linfield tennis programs continued to shine in Northwest Conference action, as the men won two of three matches, and the women took three of their own.
With only two matches remaining before the championship tournament begins, the men’s and women’s tennis teams are enjoying highly successful seasons.
The Wildcat men defeated Whitworth University 7-2 April 2, lost to Whitman College 8-1 April 3 and beat Willamette University 5-4 April 6.
“We’ve just really working as a team and being there for each other on and off the court,” senior Kyle Anderson said. “This team has been the most cohesive team I have been on since being here at Linfield, and I don’t think it’s a surprise that we have done this well based on that fact alone.”
The men are 3-0 in matches decided by scores of either 5-4 or 6-3.
“We’ve managed to pull through because we know how hard we work as a team,” Anderson said. “We have faith in our skills and our teammates, and we count on each other to provide critical points. Every single person playing has an equal role in the team’s success, whether it’s number one singles or number three doubles. Every point counts for the same amount, so providing support to everyone playing really instills that faith in yourself when you’re on the court.”
The women beat Whitman 5-4 April 2, Whitworth 5-4 April 3 and George Fox University 9-0 April 8.
The Wildcats have turned in several strong performances as a top-10 team. Also, the Wildcats have kept their cool, going 4-1 in matches that end in scores of 5-4 and 6-3.
Senior Sallie Katter and sophomore Abby Olbrich have dominated for the ’Cats, winning three straight matches by a combined score of 24-11.
“Determination and focus has been the key to winning these close games,” freshman Sara Peterson said. “Paying attention to each point has helped us out as well.”
The men are 12-1 in the NWC, while the women have a 11-2 conference record. The men will travel to Newberg, Ore., to face George Fox on April 9, and the women head to Tacoma, Wash., to take on the University of Puget Sound on the same date.
Justin Derby
Sports reporter Justin Derby can be reached at [email protected]