Cheney, Wash. - With a Big Sky Conference tournament appearance on the line, the Eastern Washington University women's tennis team heads into its final dual matches of the regular season against Montana State (Friday, April 15) and Montana (Sunday, April 17).

Eastern will be the visiting team for the two matches, as the team just came off a critical 5-2 victory at home against Portland State last week on Sunday, April 10.

With the win, EWU improved to 11-9 on the season and 5-4 in league play, good for fifth place in the conference standings.

Only two of six spots remain for a place in the tournament. Most recently, Weber State clinched its bid in the tournament after defeating Idaho State 4-3 on Tuesday, April 12. Northern Arizona ranks first in the standings with a 9-1 record, while Sacramento State and Idaho fill the other spots with records of 7-1 and 7-2, respectively.

Three other teams are still in the hunt for the final spots. Montana State currently resides in sixth place at 5-5, and takes on the Eagles for its final match of the year. With Idaho State (2-5 BSC) and this week's opponent Montana as the other two teams. The tournament race is prepped to be an exciting one.

Last week, Eastern played well on its Senior Day, eliminating Portland State from tournament contention with a 5-2 finish. In doubles, senior Moira Hedberg earned a victory with sophomore Rachel Swindell, 6-1, against Dane Vorster and Taylor Reese. Hedberg once again pulled out a win in singles, beating Siena Peri 6-2, 7-5. Other singles wins include No. 1 Janaya Smith retiring Vorster 6-2, 6-3, while freshman Faye Worrall won a lengthy match 6-3, 5-7, 1-0 (11-9) and Swindell went back and forth 6-1, 1-6, 6-1.

Montana State (7-14, 5-5 BSC) last played on Sunday, April 10, losing to Sacramento State 6-1. Junior Laura Middel owns the Bobcats' best dual record at 11-10, while going 9-3 in the No. 2 spot. Their leading doubles team has been a force to be reckoned with. Middel paired with junior Naomi Holopainen own a 16-4 record together. They are an undefeated 10-0 in conference play.

Montana (3-14, 2-5 BSC) most recently lost to Northern Colorado 6-1 on Sunday, April 10. The Grizzlies face Portland State two days prior to their matchup against the Eagles.  EWU defeated UM 5-2 earlier in the season, on January 24. Sophomore Cam Kincaid leads the team with a 7-10 record in singles, including a 4-3 mark in conference.

Faye Worrall leads Eastern with a 13-6 record in singles, playing in various positions. Worrall and doubles teammate Janaya Smith have gone 6-1 in conference, playing in the No. 1 position.