September 26, 2014
Gonzaga University Sports Information
For Immediate Release
PULLMAN, Wash.—The Gonzaga University women's tennis schedule got underway Friday as the Zags competed in the first few rounds of the WSU Cougar Classic at the WSU Outdoor Tennis Courts in Pullman, Wash.
"We were really happy with our play today," said Gonzaga head coach D.J. Gurule. "We definitely saw some things to work on, but overall we were pleased with how our team competed."
The Zags got a look at what newcomer Alex Bourguignon will bring to the squad, and it's so far, so good for the freshman. She kicked off her collegiate career with a pair of wins, taking down Laurence Pelchat of Montana 6-2, 6-3 and Megan LaLone of Boise State 6-0, 7-6(4). With the victories, she's onto the round of 16 in the Crimson bracket, the top singles bracket in the tournament.
"It was fantastic for Alex to get a couple wins under her belt," said Gurule. "She is a fantastic addition to our team and we are excited for her future."
Junior Samantha Polayes also competed in the Crimson bracket, taking on Boise State's Arianna Paules Aldrey. Polayes won the first set 6-7, but dropped the second one 6-3 to set up a deciding third set. The Bronco won the final set 7-6 to advance. Polayes will now face Janaya Smith of Eastern Washington in the consolation bracket.
In the gray bracket, Franziska Koehler advanced to the second round with a 6-1, 7-6(4) win over Montana State's Molly Crum. In that second round, however, she fell to Madison Maloney of Seattle U 4-6, 6-1, 6-4. The junior from Germany will play Cat Orfanos of Montana in the consolation bracket.
"Sam and Sissi (Franziska) both battled in their matches and unfortunately came up short," said Gurule. "We are looking forward to tomorrow."
Kylie Peek was scheduled to play in the Cougar Classic, but she pulled out of the competition. As such, Koehler was forced to play a doubles match with Grace Lymer-Sullivan of Washington State. She and her Cougar teammate beat a mixed team of Marx (Idaho) and Carbo (Montana) 6-4, but fell to Boise State's team of Vosburgh and Toseva 6-3 in the second round of the Crimson doubles bracket.
In the Gray doubles bracket, Gonzaga's Polayes and Bourguignon beat Jaques and Scott of Seattle U 6-2 in their first round matchup. The Bulldog pair lost to Vickers and Barcenilla of Idaho 6-3 in the second round, however.
The WSU Cougar Classic will continue Saturday, Sept. 27. Bourguignon and Polayes will get things started for the Bulldogs with matches at 10:00 a.m., again at the WSU Outdoor Tennis Courts.
