Gonzaga University
Montana
Bulldogs Battle Grizzlies To Final Singles Match
2/26/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
Feb. 26, 2011
SPOKANE, Wash. - The Gonzaga University women's tennis team dropped a 4-3 decision to the University of Montana in a non-conference match at the Spokane Racquet Club Friday evening.
Senior Clare Dodge and junior Kristina Zauere defeated Ashley Mackey and Constance Alexander 8-2 at No. 2 doubles and senior Jackie Tabb and sophomore Gabrielle Verspieren beat Lauren Gibson and Heather Davidson 9-8 (5) at No. 3 doubles to secure the point for the Bulldogs (2-6).
Despite winning the doubles point, the Bulldogs battled the Grizzlies throughout singles play. Senior Rika Mehndiratta took a 6-4, 6-3 win over Davidson at No. 1 singles and Tabb defeated Gibson 6-4, 6-2 at No. 6.
The match was decided at No. 5 singles. Junior Sophie Lantta battled through a three-set match with Mackey. Lantta won the first set 6-2 but Mackey bounced back from the loss and won the next two 7-6 (6), 6-2.
"Unfortunately we didn't come out on top tonight but I was proud of how our team fought," Bulldogs head coach D.J. Gurule said. "I was extremely happy with our doubles play. It definitely gave us a chance to win. We had some opportunities but unfortunately we couldn't capitalize.
"Rika played a very solid match and Jackie was stellar at No. 6," Gurule added. "Sophie battled throughout her two and a half hour long match and just came up a little short."
Gonzaga begins a three-match tour in Hawaii during spring break. The tour starts March 5 against Brigham Young University-Hawaii at 2 p.m. PT.
MONTANA GRIZZLIES 4, GONZAGA BULLDOGS 3
Singles competition
1. Mehndiratta, Rika (GON) def. DAVIDSON, Heather (UM) 6-4, 6-3
2. BRAN, Rebecca (UM) def. Zauere, Kristina (GON) 6-0, 6-2
3. ALEXANDER, Constance (UM) def. Dodge, Clare (GON) 6-3, 6-2
4. PALUCH, Whitney (UM) def. Farmer, Danielle (GON) 6-2, 6-4
5. MACKEY, Ashley (UM) def. Lantta, Sophie (GON) 2-6, 7-6 (6), 6-2
6. Tabb, Jackie (GON) def. GIBSON, Lauren (UM) 6-4, 6-2
Doubles competition
1. PALUCH, Whitney/BRAN, Rebecca (UM) def. MEHNDIRATTA, Rika/FARMER, Danielle (GON) 8-5
2. DODGE, Clare/ZAUERE, Kristina (GON) def. ALEXANDER, Constance/MACKEY, Ashley (UM) 8-2
3. VERSPIEREN,Gabrielle/TABB, Jackie (GON) def. GIBSON, Lauren/DAVIDSON, Heather (UM) 9-8 (5)
Match Notes: MONTANA GRIZZLIES 4-5
GONZAGA BULLDOGS 2-6
Order of finish: Doubles (2,1,3); Singles (2,1,3,4,6,5)
