The Pacific Lutheran University women’s tennis team traveled to George Fox and Lewis & Clark University to wrap up the 2014 season this past weekend.
The Lutes fought hard on the George Fox campus courts last Friday against the Bruins and ended up winning 7-2, putting the Lutes one step closer to a Northwest Conference Tournament berth.
For the Lutes, the day started off rough, as they lost their first and second doubles matches. But things eventually turned around as the Lutes won the last doubles match and then went on to sweep all six singles matches.
First-years Emily Bower and Megan Beyers gave the Lutes the first win of the day in their doubles match beating the Bruins 8-1.
PLU senior Leah Newell performed at the top of her game, contributing to the singles sweep. She came out with a notable win against George Fox senior Alyssa Emoto 6-1, 6-4. Newell said she felt extremely proud after the match.
“The last time we played George Fox, I lost to their number one, but this time I got the best of her,” Newell said. “It was a great match.”
The Lutes looked to clinch a tournament berth Saturday when they faced the Lewis & Clark Pioneers.
Saturday at the Lewis and Clark Tennis Dome, the Pioneers kept the Lutes from clinching a tournament berth, as they fell 6-3 to the Pioneers.
Despite the heartbreaking loss for the PLU women, the Lutes never gave up. There were many positive aspects to take away from the season finale.
PLU sophomore Samantha Lund performed well, as she gave the Lutes their first singles win of the day, defeating Pioneer senior Olivia Sweetman 7-5, 6-2.
Among the other Lutes who performed well Saturday was senior Leah Newell, who fought hard but came up short, losing 6-3, 6-1. Newell reflected on the season after her match.
“I am very satisfied with our tennis season this year,” Newell said. “We have a very young team, and I am extremely proud of how well all of us competed in the conference.”
Newell said the team’s goal was to have a “blue car attitude” by competing against themselves to become better tennis players and people. The late Frosty Westering, who was a longtime football coach at PLU, instilled the “blue car attitude” around campus during his time at PLU.
Newell went on to say that she had no regrets regarding the season and plans to pursue coaching in the near future.
The Lutes ended with an 11-7 overall record (7-5 in conference) and look to bounce back next year.
