Bottom Half of Lineup Propels Pilots Past Cal Poly
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. --- The Portland Pilots women’s tennis team captured a 4-3 victory over the Cal Poly Mustangs Friday afternoon. Portland’s four, five, and six spots each posted victories in the outdoor victory at the Mustang Courts.
The Pilots improve to 8-8 on the year, sending Cal Poly to a 3-13 record.
After the Mustangs claimed the doubles point, the Pilots stepped up in singles play. All three of Portland’s freshman made the transition from indoor to outdoor courts look easy with straight set victories.
At the top spot, Maja Mladenovic continued her torrid freshman campaign with a 6-2, 6-4 victory, but it was the bottom half of the lineup that pushed Portland to victory.
Senior Valeska Hoath easily dispatched Ane McPike with scores of 6-2, 6-3, while Tori Troesch topped Anna Klavins, 6-2, 6-4.
Saroop Dhatt rounded out the Pilots’ victory from the sixth spot, taking care of Gabrielle Gatewood 6-1, 6-4.
Afterwards, Portland head coach Susie Campbell-Gross commented on how well her team adapted to the outdoor conditions. “Going from indoors to outdoors is always a tough transition, but I am really proud of the way the team approached this week. We adjusted really well to the conditions and the willingness to work through some tough situation made the difference today.”
Added Campbell-Gross, “This was a great team effort and a great win for the program today.”
Portland plays its final non-conference match of the season on Saturday with an 11 a.m. match at UC Santa Barbara.
