GLENDALE, Ariz. - Doubles play proved to be the deciding factor on Wednesday afternoon as the Pacific Lutheran University women's tennis team wrapped up its  season opening road trip with a 4-3 setback to host Arizona Christian University at the Paseo Racquet Center.

"We stepped on the court ready to play from the very first point. This team has worked hard throughout the trip, focusing on staying in the moment and playing one point at a time," said Head Coach Cheri Campbell. 

Meggie Burnett and Tianna Jeffries registered the Lutes' (1-2) lone doubles win, edging ACU's Emma Troyer and Sylvie Schoenen 6-4 at the No. 3 position.

In singles, Burnett downed Karia Grobberlaar, 6-4, 6-4, at the No. 4 spot for her second straight victory while Ella Burriss prevailed, 6-0, 6-0, at No. 5. Libertad Sarmiento secured the Lutes' third singles win of the matinee, rallying for a, 3-6, 6-3, 10-3, win at No. 6.

"I'm especially proud of Meggie who beat a single players with a significantly higher Universal Tennis Rating. That was after winning her doubles match with Tianna who battled physical injuries all season. Ella secured her win by outsmarting her opponent. Her match was a game of chess and Ella easily was the master."

The Lutes are back on the courts on Feb. 11, facing crosstown nemesis University of Puget Sound before hosting College of Idaho the following day in the home opener at Sprinker Recreation Center.

"We're looking forward to continuing the progress we've made on this trip when we hit the courts in Washington."