Women's tennis team defeats Seattle 6-1

Saturday, March 15

Reno, Nev.

11:00 AM

Montana

Seattle University

3/15/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis

March 15, 2014

The Montana Grizzlies women's tennis team clipped Seattle University on Saturday afternoon in Reno, Nevada, improving to 5-4 on the spring season.

After playing in scorching heat last weekend at sea-level, the Griz played Seattle in high-altitude conditions.

"It's really different playing at altitude," Sasha Carter said. "We have to hit a heavier ball, with a lot more top-spin, whereas compared to sea-level, you can just drive through the ball and it will land fine. You have to move your feet a lot to get in the right position, because the ball will take funny bounces."

UM's netters began the match by sweeping the doubles point. Both No. 1 and No. 3 doubles were 8-6 Montana victories. Carter and Laurence Pelchat knocked off Seattle's Sarah Lucas and Gabriella Weissman 8-3 at No. 2 doubles.

"It was difficult, we had to deal with different elements," Carter said. "But after the first few games we got a groove together, and just started cruising. We played really simple, and tried to attack their weaknesses."

In singles play Haley Driver, who usually holds down the No. 2 spot, won at No. 1 singles 6-0, 6-4 against Anna Lambert. Precious Gbadamosi played at No. 2, barely losing a third set tiebreaker 11-9.

"Precious' match was really close," Carter said. "The girl she played had a great forehand and hit the ball really deep. Precious was pretty good about keeping it consistent and going for a big shot when she had the chance. She barely lost today, and she fought really hard."

Grizzly players won in straight sets in five of the six flights.

"Today was mentally challenging because of the conditions," Carter added. "We did what we needed to do. We kept it simple, and played steady. It was a good mental win for us."

UM plays Nevada tomorrow at 10 a.m.

Montana 6, Seattle 1
Saturday March 15, 2014 at Reno, Nevada

Singles results
No. 1 Haley Driver (UM) def. Anna Lambert (SU) 6-0, 6-4
No. 2 Kelli Woodman (SU) def. Precious Gbadamosi (UM) 6-3, 4-6, 1-0 (11-9)
No. 3 Sasha Carter (UM) def. Barbara Carey (SU) 6-0, 6-3
No. 4 Laurence Pelchat (UM) def. Gabriella Weissman (SU) 6-3, 6-0
No. 5 Ashley Mackey (UM) def. Sarah Lucas (SU) 6-0, 7-5
No. 6 Maddy Murray (MT) def. Corinne Wurden 6-3, 6-0

Doubles results
No. 1 Precious Gbadamosi/Haley Driver (UM) def. Kelli Woodman/Kristen James (SU) 8-6
No. 2 Sasha Carter/Laurence Pelchat (UM) def. Sarah Lucas/Gabriella Weissman (SU) 8-3
No. 3 Ashley Mackey/Maddy Murray (UM) def.Corinne Wurden/Anna Lambert (SU) 8-6