After jumping out to a promising early lead over Seattle, the Eastern Washington women's tennis team battled in what was a close, nail-biting match
Cheney, Wash. – The Eastern Washington women's tennis team was able to break out to an early 2-0 lead against Seattle in its opening home match of the year, but ultimately fell 3-4 to the Redhawks after battling for over three hours in the Jim Thorpe Fieldhouse on Sunday, Jan. 25.
Eastern's speedy lead came from freshman Janaya Smith and sophomore Erin Blessing after they were able to obtain the first doubles victory of the day over SU's Lui and Woodman (6-2). Immediately after, Eastern secured the doubles point when sophomores Dani Young and Katrina Domingo earned a hard fought win over the Redhawks' Maloney and Carey (6-4).
The Eagles extended their prompt advantage to 2-0 when Domingo was able to cap her performance off with a quick 6-0, 6-0 win over SU's Sari Kwee.
However, Seattle was able to respond by picking up several close scoring singles matches at positions two through five. Young and freshman Rachel Swindell both brought their matches to three sets, but fell by the final scores of 4-6, 6-3, 6-1, and 3-6, 6-4, 6-2, respectively.
Eastern's third and final point of the competition came from Smith who won in the number one position where she faced Seattle's Woodman, marking her third straight singles victory.
"We had an early 2-0 lead and we were up a set on two other matches and we didn't close them out. Credit to our opponents for showing some heart and not giving in," said head coach Dustin Hinson, "This one hurts because the team is really coming together and giving it their all mentally and physically. It would have been nice to have reinforcement with a win today."
"The bright spots were Janaya and Katrina, who both picked up wins in doubles and singles. Katrina was awesome and showed great on-court leadership and focus today. She showed why she is one of the captains of this team. We will battle back and keep fighting – this team doesn't lack the fight and effort that is necessary to make things happen."
The Eagles will look to bounce back next weekend where they will face Washington State in Pullman, Wash., on Friday, Jan. 30, at 6:00 p.m., and later Idaho in a nonconference match in Pullman, Wash. as well, on Saturday, Jan. 31, at 10:00 a.m.
