The women’s tennis team at the University of Portland delivered an outstanding performance, securing a resounding 7-0 victory over the Bryant Bulldogs in the final game of a three-game road trip on Sunday. This victory was a strong rebound for the Pilots (3-2) following a pair of narrow 4-3 losses to Boston U and Brown over the weekend.
Coach Filip Zivkovic expressed his pride in the team’s performance, acknowledging the physical and mental fatigue that some of the players faced after over 10 hours of tennis in the last three days. Despite the challenges, the team displayed remarkable resilience and determination in Sunday’s match.
The Pilots kicked off the day by securing a hard-fought doubles point, with Sally Pethybridge and Rimona Rouf clinching a 6-4 victory at No. 1, followed by Iva Zelic and Rose Watanabe’s impressive 7-6 tiebreaker win at No. 2.
The momentum continued in singles play, with five of the six matches culminating in straight-set victories for the Pilots. Notably, Sally Pethybridge dominated with a flawless performance, not dropping a single game in her win at No. 2. The team’s competitive spirit was evident as they clinched victories across the board, including Iva Zelic’s hard-fought 6-2, 1-6, 6-3 win at the top spot against Natalia Vela.
Coach Zivkovic commended the team’s growth, emphasizing their application of the valuable lessons learned from previous matches and their composed demeanor in pressure situations. The Pilots are now preparing for their home opener against Washington State on Friday, Feb. 9 at 10 a.m., with live coverage available at PortlandPilots.com.
The victory over Bryant was a testament to the team’s unwavering determination and their continuous development. The Pilots have exhibited remarkable growth, showcasing their commitment to excellence on the court.
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