After taking shelter in the Lewis and Clark State College indoor courts, the Idaho women’s tennis team prevailed over yet another Big Sky foe.
Eastern Washington attempted to knock of the second place Vandals (8-6, 5-1 BSC), but the Silver and Gold eventually dominated the day 4-3.
Impressive doubles play gave Idaho the edge early. Senior Lucia Badillos and junior Maria Tavares knocked off Janaya Smith and Rylee Braeden on the No. 1 court 6-2.
Freshman Laura Spataro and sophomore Maggie Chen finished the job by defeating Zoey Nelson and Faye Worrall 6-2.
Tavares filled in for breakout star Marianna Petrei on the No. 1 court in singles play. Tavares’ day as the Vandals’ best player went off without a hitch, as the Vandal veteran cruised to an easy victory, putting her team up 2-0.
Portland State’s Zoey Nelson snatched a win from Badillos on the No. 2 court, with two victories in the opening sets.
Spataro got the Vandals back on track, extending Idaho’s lead 3-1 after defeating Braeden in two quick sets 6-3, 6-3.
Sophomore Shion Watabe sealed the win for the Vandals on court No. 4. Up against Stephanie Broussard of Eastern Washington, Idaho’s young star took home the first set 6-3. Broussard rebounded 6-4 in the second, but Watabe eventually took home the win after a 6-2 victory in the third set.
After securing the victory, competition continued on court No. 5 and 6. Rachel Swindell defeated freshman Marta Magalhaes 6-3, 6-1 on the last court. Worrall rounded out the competition by taking down Chen in a prolonged three-set match, bringing the final score to 4-3 in favor of Idaho.
With one conference loss, the Vandals continue to sit in second place and in a comfortable position heading into the end of the regular season.
The Vandals will remain close to home, with a matchup against Portland State slated for 2 p.m. Friday in Lewiston.
Brandon Hill can be reached at [email protected]