Box Score TACOMA, Wash. - The Pacific Lutheran University women's tennis squad opened Northwest Conference play with a bang on Sunday, slipping past Lewis & Clark College 5-4 in a dual match inside the Sprinker Recreation Center.
 
"The Lutes played so well today with huge singles wins by Hannah, Lauren, and Taylor," said Head Coach Cheri Campbell. "Our doubles teams were solid throughout. Lauren finished the weekend with two doubles and two singles wins after only 2 ½ weeks back on the court after swim season!"
 
The Lutes (4-4, 1-0 NWC) set the tone early, winning two of the three doubles matches. Hannah Jeffries and Sydney Cameron collaborated for the 8-4 victory at No. 1 doubles while Kylie Rademacher and Lauren Kearney steamrolled the Pioneers' (2-3, 1-1 NWC) No. 3 tandem by an 8-1 count.
 
In singles, Jeffries rallied from an early setback to roll, 2-6, 6-0, 6-1, at No. 2 while Taylor Stokes claimed a commanding, 6-1, 6-0, win at No. 5. Kearney blanked L&C's Cassandra Harper, 6-0, 6-0, at the No. 6 position. Cameron came up short, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, despite fighting off eight match points.
 
"The Lutes did a great job staying focused when there were a lot of distractions with health concerns."
 
After six straight matches at home, the Lutes pack their bags this coming week, battling Willamette University on Saturday in Salem, Oregon.