Eagles hold off Grizzlies

Sunday, April 17

Missoula, Mont.

9:00 AM

Montana

Eastern Washington *

4/17/2016 4:27:00 PM | Women's Tennis

By: Montana Sports Information

Coming down to the end of the season, there was a lot riding on Sunday's matchup between Eastern Washington (12-10, 6-5 BSC) and Montana (3-16, 2-7 BSC).

The Eagles have been in a tight race for a top seed at the Big Sky Conference tournament, and the Grizzlies have been playing spoiler.

After an intense series of matches that seemed would never reach a decision, Eastern Washington prevailed with a 5-2 victory and still in the hunt of a top seed.

The Eagles, knowing what was at stake, seized the lead early, winning the doubles point behind solid scores of 6-1 and 6-4.

Even with momentum and a 1-0 lead, the Eagles discovered in singles that the Grizzlies were not going to let anyone leave the Peak Racquet Club without having to fight an intense match.

Four of the six matches went to a third set, which meant they came down to who would make the final big play to secure the win. Montana would win at No. 4 and No. 5 with clutch performances from Cam Kincaid and Catherine Orfanos.

Montana's season will come to an end next week with matches at Idaho State and Weber State.

Eastern Washington vs. Montana
April 17, 2016 at Missoula, Mont. (Peak Racquet Club)

Eastern Washington 5, Montana 2

Singles competition
1. SMITH, Janaya (EWU) def. DEAN, Francis (UM) 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 (7-4)
2. HEDBERG, Moira (EWU) def. DUKIC, Lidia (UM) 6-4, 3-6, 6-4
3. WORRALL, Faye (EWU) def. SULZ, Hannah (UM) 4-6, 6-4, 6-3
4. KINCAID, Cam (UM) def. BLESSING, Erin (EWU) 6-2, 4-6, 6-1
5. ORFANOS, Catherine (UM) def. SWINDELL, Rachel (EWU) 6-2, 6-4
6. LOPEZ, Carolina (EWU) def. CARBO, Anabel (UM) 6-4, 6-2

Doubles competition
1. SMITH, Janaya/WORRALL, Faye (EWU) def. DEAN, Francis/ORFANOS, Catherine (UM) 6-4
2. DUKIC, Lidia/KINCAID, Cam (UM) def. HEDBERG, Moira/SWINDELL, Rachel (EWU) 7-6 (8-6)
3. DOMINGO, Katrina/YOUNG, Dani (EWU) def. CARBO, Anabel/SULZ, Hannah (UM) 6-1

Match Notes:
Eastern Washington 12-10, 6-5 BSC
Montana 3-16, 2-7 BSC
Order of finish: Doubles (3,2,1); Singles (4,2,1,3,5,6)