Eastern drops just three sets in win over Big Sky newcomer

The Eastern Washington University women’s tennis team defeated North Dakota 6-1 in a Big Sky Conference matchup Tuesday (Mar. 12) at the Jim Thorpe Fieldhouse in Cheney, Wash.

The win for the Eagles moved them up to 3-2 in conference play and 5-10 overall on the season. It also broke a five-game losing streak for EWU.

“In this conference there’s never going to be an easy win.” said interim head coach Dustin Hinson, “I’m really proud of the way we fought to get the win.”

In doubles action, sophomores Moira Hedberg and Chrissy Uriarte coasted to an 8-1 win over UND’s Stephanie Petsis and Callie Ronkowski.

Chelsea Patton and Kelsey Knight fought in a tough No. 2 competition, which was unfinished with the score at 6-5.

Alexis Filliol and Rocio Norena fell behind in the No. 3 match, but went on to win six straight games to take an 8-5 victory over Sarah Stejskal and Mindy Lawrence.

“It was really important for us to get that doubles point,” said Hinson. “Everybody played really well and dominated.”

In singles, at No. 1 Hedberg took the first set 6-1, but Petsis fought back and took the second set 4-6. Hedberg held up in the third, winning 6-3.

Uriarte was efficient against Ronkowski, taking both sets with a score of 6-2.

Patton had the only loss for the Eagles on the day, dropping each set 4-6 against Stephanie Biehn.

Ryann Warner dropped just two games in No. 4 action, winning both sets 6-1.

Knight distanced herself from Stejskal, winning 8-2.

Filliol closed the match out for the Eagles at the No. 6 spot, prevailing 8-1.

Eastern’s next game will be against conference opponent Southern Utah in Cedar City, Utah on Mar. 27.

“Overall, everyone played really hard,” said Hinson. “We’ve been working hard at believing in ourselves and I think that’s starting to work in our favor.”