PORTLAND — The University of Portland women's tennis team edged Northern Colorado on Saturday in a close 4-3 decision inside the Louisiana-Pacific Tennis Center thanks to strong doubles play and a clutch performance with the match on the line by sophomore Beate Valdmane.

The Pilots (6-3) secured the doubles point by sweeping the visiting Bears (3-7), with the biggest victory coming at No. 3 doubles where Valeska Hoath and Valdmane won in an 8-4 decision.

In singles action, Lacey Pflibsen and Sabine Fuchs earned straight set wins at No. 1 and No. 2, respectively. With a 3-1 lead heading into the final three matches, Portland suffered losses at No. 4 and No. 6 singles.

The loss at No. 4 was a tough one for the Pilots as Hoath was forced to retire due to an injury. After losing the first set, Hoath easily won the second 6-0 and was only one game down in the final set before injury struck.

Ultimately it was Valdmane and her two set victory that secured the fourth straight victory for the Pilots.

Portland now must head out on the road for four straight matches, beginning March 5 in Fullerton, Calif., against the Cal State Fullerton Titans.

Portland 4 (6-3)
Northern Coloardo 3 (3-7)
Feb. 26, 2011
Portland, Ore.
Louisiana-Pacific Tennis Center

Doubles -
1: Lacey Pflibsen/Alice Tucker (UP) def. Elizabeth Tapia/Stephanie Catlin (NC) 8-5
2: Sabine Fuchs/Stephanie Fuchs (UP) def. Lexi Filliol/Jennifer Whateley (NC) 8-6
3: Valeska Hoath/Beate Valdmane (UP) def. Jill Kappel/Jennifer Buchanan (NC) 8-4

Singles -
1: Lacey Pflibsen (UP) def. Jennifer Whateley (NC) 6-3, 6-1
2: Adriana Nieto (NC) def. Stephanie Fuchs (UP) 6-2, 6-4
3: Sabine Fuchs (UP) def. Elizabeth Tapia (NC) 6-4, 6-0
4: Stephanie Catlin (NC) def. Valeska Hoath (UP) 6-1, 0-6, 3-2 ret.
5: Beate Valdmane (UP) def. Lexi Filliol (NC) 7-5, 6-3
6: Jennifer Buchanan (NC) def. Gabrielle Gorence (UP) 6-1, 6-1