Vandal firepower overwhelms Griz

Friday, April 8

Missoula, Mont.

9:00 AM

Montana

Idaho *

4/8/2016 3:19:00 PM | Women's Tennis

By: Montana Sports Information

Entering Friday's match, Montana (3-12, 2-3 BSC) and Idaho (13-8, 7-2 BSC) were teams heading in different directions.

In their head-to-head matchup at the Peak Racquet Club in Missoula, the Vandals would win 6-1 to continue their pursuit of a conference title, while the Grizzlies, who have dropped eight straight matches, continue to search for their missing mojo.

It appeared Friday's match would be tight and down to the wire after intense battles were waged in doubles. Idaho would win the doubles point with scores of 6-2 and 7-5.

(4/8/2016) WTennis: vs. Idaho (4.8.16)

It didn't take long in singles for Montana's or Idaho's energy to be in full effect. Both teams' cheering and celebrating were a mainstay throughout a longstanding school rivalry.

"It's very intense. There is a lot of tension between the teams," said Francis Dean, who lost 6-2, 6-0 at No. 1 singles. "Idaho brings a lot of energy while we fight back with our own."

Montana's energy was unable to hold off Idaho. The Vandals secured their matches with haste, not letting up on the pressure they put on the Grizzlies.

Lidia Dukic at No. 2, earned Montana's sole point, defeating Rita Bermudez 7-5, 6-3. Catherine Orfanos suffered a heartbreaker, falling at No. 5 to Maria Tavaras 6-0, 6-7 (4-7), 0-1 (0-10).

Despite the recent string of defeats and suffering their first home loss of the season on Friday, the Grizzlies are holding their heads high knowing there are still matches left to be won this season.

"We are staying positive about the season," Dean said. "We are still going to be working hard and learning from these matches."

Montana plays Saturday against Sacramento State (9-8, 5-1 BSC) at 9 a.m. at the Peak Racquet Club. The Hornets defeated Idaho by a score of 4-3 on March 19.

Idaho 6, Montana 1
Apr 08, 2016 at Missoula, Mont. (Peak Racquet Club)

Singles competition
No. 1 Marianna Petrei (UI) def. Francis Dean (UM) 6-2, 6-0
No. 2 Lidia Dukic (UM) def. Rita Bermudez (UI) 7-5, 6-3
No. 3 Celine Koets (UI) def. Hannah Sulz (UM) 6-2, 6-2
No. 4 Belen Barcenilla (UI) def. Cam Kincaid (UM) 6-4, 6-3
No. 5 Maria Tavaras (UI) def. Catherine Orfanos (UM) 0-6, 7-6, 10-0
No. 6 Lucia Badillos (UI) def. Ana Carbo (UM) 6-4, 6-2

Doubles competition
No. 1 Ana Batiri/Belen Barcenilla (UI) def. Francis Dean/Catherine Orfanos (UM) 7-5
No. 2 Rita Bermudez/Maria Tavares (UI) dnf. Cam Kincaid/Lidia Dukic (UM) 6-6
No. 3 Marianna Petrei/Lucia Badillos (UI) def. Hannah Sulz/Ana Carbo (UM) 6-2

Match Notes
Idaho: 13-8, 7-2 BSC
Montana: 3-12, 2-3 BSC
Order of finish: Doubles (3,1); Singles (1,3,4,2,5,6)