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DURHAM, N.C. — Gonzaga women's tennis fell to one of the nation's best teams in No. 4 Duke by a 4-0 scoreline on Saturday morning in Durham, N.C., at the first round of the ITA Kickoff.
 
The Zags will face Nebraska or Old Dominion in the consolation match of the two-round qualifier, depending on the result of that match.

"Unfortunately we fell a little short today, but Duke is a really talented and well-coached team," head coach D.J. Gurule said. "I was pleased with how we competed against one of the top team in the country. We will regroup and battle again tomorrow." 
 
Sophie Whittle was on top of her game for the Zags, teaming with Graciela Rosas to take a 6-1 win over the Blue Devils' top tandem of Ellyse Hamlin and Kaitlyn McCarthy. Whittle, ranked No. 5 individually in singles, then took early control of her match against No. 8 Maria Mateas with a 4-0 first-set lead and 7-5 first-set win.
 
That match was halted early in the second set as Duke clinched the team dual with wins on Nos. 3, 4 and 5.
 
The loss moves Gonzaga to 1-1 on the season, while Duke jumps up to 3-0.
 
Tomorrow's match against Nebraska/Old Dominion is scheduled for 7 a.m. PT/10 a.m. ET in Durham, N.C. Check GoZags.com for links to live coverage.