FOREST GROVE, Ore. --- The George Fox University women's tennis team laid the groundwork for a strong 2021-22 campaign in a successful opening weekend at the Pacific 4-way Tournament.

How It Happened

The Bruins started the two-day tournament on Saturday, Sept. 11, facing players from Northwest Conference opponents Pacific (Ore.), Lewis & Clark, and Willamette. Each athlete played two singles matches on Saturday, followed by two doubles matches for each pair on Sunday.

Top Performers

The Bruins swept nine of their ten singles victories, winning 10 of their sixteen total matches. Momentum from day-one singles carried directly into doubles play on day two, as George Fox dispatched all but one of their eight doubles opponents.

Veterans Olivia Morris, Emily McDonald, and Brenna Vanderyacht each swept their singles matches, while junior McDonald lost just one game in her four sets played. Junior Morris teamed up with junior Ellie Mangan to earn two doubles victories on her way to sealing a perfect weekend. 

In their first action as Bruins, freshmen Cassey Hitch and Kalli Wiker won their Saturday singles before joining forces to defeat their doubles duos on Sunday. Wiker fought tooth-and-nail in two of the tournament's most competitive singles matchups, earning the 10-7 tiebreaker in her second match. Freshmen Ariana Rader and Abigail Bond also earned their first doubles wins on the final day of action.

Coach's Thoughts

"Everyone played well," exclaimed a proud head coach Rick Cruz. "This is a young group in general, so it was good for them to gain some valuable experience. I can't wait to see how this team improves throughout the fall and into the spring. If they improve the way I believe they can, we will compete for a top-four spot in conference once again."

Up Next

The Bruins will continue their fall season when they host the four-day ITA Northwest Regional Championship, beginning on Saturday, Sept. 24.