TACOMA, Wash. - The Pacific Lutheran University women's tennis team was unable to match the firepower of Northwest Conference rival Whitman College on Saturday afternoon, falling 9-0 in a dual match at the Sprinker Recreation Center.

"We knew we were facing tough opponents with the always strong Whitman team," said Head Coach Cheri Campbell. 

"I could see the nerves throughout doubles play but several Lutes settled into their singles match. Lilian won the first set in her match with her best play of her collegiate career. Meggie also played a solid singles match. I'm proud of how most of the team focused on competing rather than the score."

In doubles action, the Lutes' No. 1 tandem of Taylor Stokes and Ella Burriss came up short 8-1 against the Blues' top squad of Arianna Costellanos and Ilina Jha. 

In singles play, Lilian Nguyen provided a stiff challenge at No. 5, pushing the match to three sets before falling, 1-6, 6-0, 1-0 (10-4) to Whitman's Mae Thorp. Meggie Burnett ended on the wrong side of a, 6-2, 6-2, decision at No. 4 while Libertad Sarmiento fell short, 6-1, 6-4, at No. 6.

The Lutes (2-8, 0-2 NWC) are back on the courts tomorrow morning, hosting Whitworth University at 10 a.m. at the Sprinker Rec Center.