Women's tennis starts Big Sky play strong

The Northern Colorado women's tennis team did not get distracted from a long day at the airport and went on to beat Big Sky Conference rival Eastern Washington 6-1 on Sunday.

"We were able to get some rest, have a solid, energetic practice on Saturday and came out on fire against EWU," said Head Coach Brenda Vlasak. "We are proud to finally see all the hard work the team puts into practice come out in our doubles and singles play!"

It started with all three doubles teams sweeping the Eagles. Steph Catlin and Elizabeth Tapia at number one doubles won a close 8-6 victory over Moira Hedberg and Chrissy Uriarte to get things started.

The number two doubles team of Jennifer Whateley and Adriana Nieto took control in an 8-1 victory against Ryann Warner and Rocio Norena. Chrissie Hoolahan and Jennifer Buchanan followed with an 8-2 win over Chelsea Patton and Kelsey Knight at the number three position.

In singles play, the closest match came at the number three position with Nieto defeating Patton 6-4, 7-6 (7-4). The only loss came at the tough number one position with Whateley falling to Hedberg in a close 6-4, 6-2 decision.

Tapia defeated Knight 6-1, 6-1 at the number two position followed by the Bears winning at the four, five and six positions. Buchanan defeated Uriarte 6-2, 6-2 followed by Catlin defeating Warner 6-2, 6-1. The final match ended with a victory for the Bears when Hoolahan beat Nefi Diamanti 6-3, 6-1.

"This win proves to the players just how important it is for everyone to show up on the same day and play their hearts out, and we did that today," said Vlasak.

The Bears had to cancel their match against Gonzaga due to weather delays from Colorado on Friday. The women return to action on February 11 against conference rival Northern Arizona at 10 a.m. at Work Out West.