Griz sweep Warriors for first win of the Season

Friday, January 29

Lewiston, Idaho

2:30 PM

Montana

Lewis-Clark State

1/29/2021 7:10:00 PM | Women's Tennis

Box Score

By: Montana Sports Information

The Montana women's tennis team picked up its first win of the season with a 7-0 sweep of Lewis-Clark State on the road in Lewiston, Idaho, to move to 1-1 on the early season.

The Grizzlies swept all three matches in the doubles round while not allowing the Warriors more than two games, gathering momentum heading into the singles round.

Montana kept its foot on the gas in singles, winning five of the six matches in straight sets and seven of the 13 total sets by a score of 6-0 or 6-1. Montana junior Lauren Dunlap was the lone Grizzly to play through three sets, rebounding from a second-set loss to take the third 6-4 over LCSC's Alexis Maison.

"We got everything out of this match we wanted to, and more," said head coach Steve Ascher.

"Lauren worked her way out of a tricky situation, and everyone made some adjustments during their matches that we had worked on in practice. So, it was good to see that progression."

The win also helps the Grizzlies gather momentum heading into one of its biggest challenges of the year against Washington State on Saturday.

More than that, though, the win helped the Grizzlies get back in the win column and build confidence after a 1-12 start to the 2020 season, with their last team victory coming nearly a year ago.

"This felt nice because you win, and it sets you up to approach tomorrow against WSU in a positive mindset. So, it was good to celebrate the win, and now we can put all our focus on tomorrow's match."

Following a decisive win in doubles, All-Big Sky senior Julia Ronney paced the Griz in the singles round, closing out a 6-1, 6-1 win over the Warriors' Laura Diaz in short order to put UM up 2-0.

On court five, Montana freshman Ivayla Mitkova picked up the first win of her career in maroon and silver, pitching a 6-0, 6-0 shutout of Kyla Collier. Sophomore Maria Goheen and junior Alex Walker each had a set without dropping a game in their wins.

Montana now heads to Pullman to face WSU, who are led by the nation's No. 55-ranked Michaela Bayerlova at the top of the lineup. The Griz and Cougars get underway at 11:30 a.m. (MT) at the Hollingbery Fieldhouse.