CHENEY, Wash. – The Eastern Washington University women's squad opens the 2020 spring schedule this Friday afternoon in Seattle, Wash., against Seattle University on Jan. 10. Following EWU's match versus the Redhawks, the Eagles face No. 14 Washington on Sunday, Jan. 12.
"We are looking forward to kicking off the season in Seattle this weekend. The team had a great winter break - they were able to rest up from the fall season but still worked on keeping their form and conditioning for the long dual match season coming up," said head coach
Dustin Hinson. "We always expect tough matches when we head across the state to Seattle. Both teams will present excellent opportunities to gain non-conference match experience and grow as players on the court."
Leading up to the Eagles first match of the spring schedule they competed in three tournaments during the months of October and November. These tournaments included the Cougar Classic Fall Tournament, ITA Northwest Regional Championship and the SDSU Fall Classic #2. During these tournaments the team was able to play both doubles and singles matches prior to starting their 2020 season.
KNOWING YOUR OPPONENT: SEATTLE UNIVERSITY
The Eagles have an overall series record of 11-8 versus Seattle and a 2-0 winning streak after playing host in last season's home opener where they soared to a 6-1 victory over the Redhawks. EWU is 4-1 in their last five appearances versus Seattle with their last loss dated back to February of 2017.
Seattle competed in the Cougar Classic and the ITA Northwest Regional Championships during the fall leading up to the start of the 2020 spring schedule. The Redhawks wrapped up the 2019 season with a 5-16 overall record. They are led by head coach Joey Barnes who enters his second year at the helm as they begin their spring schedule against the Eagles.
KNOWING YOUR OPPONENT: WASHINGTON
The Eagles have yet to find victory over Washington as they have an 0-5 all-time series record versus the Huskies.
During the fall leading up to the 2020 spring season, Washington competed in the ITA All-American Championships, Husky Invitational, ITA Northwest Regional Championships, Jack Kramer Collegiate Invitational and the ASU Thunderbird Invitational. They will host Portland State on Jan. 11 before competing against the Eagles.
Washington wrapped up the 2019 season with a 21-5 overall record and an 8-2 conference record after falling short to UCLA in both the Pac-12 Tournament and in the NCAA Tournament. They are led by head coach Robin Stephenson who enters her sixth season at the helm and are currently nationally ranked at No. 14.
WHATS NEXT
Following the weekend, the Eagles will take some time off from competition before hosting Whitworth on Jan. 31 as the match is set to begin at 5:30 p.m. Pacific time in Cheney, Wash.
