Bobcat Netters Shutout Portland State

Saturday, March 1

Bozeman, MT

9:00 AM

Montana State University

Portland State

Photo by: Kelly Gorham

3/1/2014 4:27:00 PM | Women's Tennis

The Montana State women’s tennis team opened its Big Sky Conference home schedule with a convincing 7-0 win over Portland State, Saturday morning in the Anderson Tennis Center.

By: Tom Schulz

The Montana State women's tennis team opened its Big Sky Conference home schedule with a convincing 7-0 win over Portland State, Saturday morning in the Anderson Tennis Center.

Due to sickness, Portland State fielded just five players, giving the Bobcats a win at No. 3 doubles by forfeit. Montana State captured the doubles point as Ellie Crum and Laura Middel combined at No.2 to notch an 8-3 victory over Megan Govi and Alexa McDonald.

"Having a win at No. 3 doubles before even starting the match was a definite advantage," MSU head coach Denise Albrecht said. "Ellie and Laura are money in the bank at No. 2 and they did a great job."

MSU went up 2-0 as the Vikings forfeited the No. 6 singles spot. Iva Parapunova had her best outing of the season as the Bobcats' top player produced a 6-2, 6-2 win at No. 1 over Marina Todd. Montana State clinched the match at No. 3 singles, where Paulina Lopez registered a 6-1, 6-3 victory over Govi. MSU completed the sweep as Middel, Crum and Wena Tsan notched wins at No. 2, 4 and 5 singles, respectively.

"We're playing well," Albrecht said. "Our kids knew this was a big match and they came out ready to play. We faced some nerves and cold conditions, but they were fired-up and did a super job."

The Bobcats have now captured four of its last six matches. They will not play again until traveling to Southern Utah on March 22.

Montana State 7, Portland State 0: Singles- 1. Iva Parapunova (MSU) d. Marina Todd 6-2, 6-2; 2. Laura Middel (MSU) d. Sabina-Elena Preda 6-2, 4-6, 10-7; 3. Paulina Lopez (MSU) d. Megan Govi 6-1, 6-3; 4. Ellie Crum (MSU) d. Alexa McDonald 6-0, 7-6; 5. Wena Tsan (MSU) d. Ayaka Terakawa 6-7, 6-1, 10-2; 6. Molly Crum (MSU) wins by forfeit. Doubles- 1. Todd/Preda (PSU) d. Parapunova/Lopez 8-7; 2. E. Crum/Middel (MSU) d. Govi/McDonald 8-3; 3. M. Crum/Tsan (MSU) wins by forfeit.