MOSCOW, Idaho – The Idaho women's tennis team (1-3) hosts its 2023 home opener against the University of Portland Pilots (3-2) Saturday morning at the Kibbie Dome. Match play gets underway at 10 a.m.
How to Follow
Idaho vs. Portland // Feb. 18 at 10 a.m.
Watch:
ESPN+
Live Stats:
iOnCourt
Tickets: Free Admission
About Idaho
The Vandals look to continue their momentum after earning a 4-3 win in St. George, Utah over the Trailblazers of Utah Tech last week.
Despite starting 0-2 in singles play,
Annabel Davis enjoyed an undefeated showing last week at No. 2 posting scores of 6-2, 6-4 at UNLV and 6-4, 7-5 at Utah Tech to complete the sweep.
Freshman
Valentina Rodas picked up her second singles win of the season at Utah Tech improving to an even 2-2 record. She defeated Utah Tech's Rachel Mellor at the No. 1 position with a come-from-behind 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory.
In doubles play, Idaho swept the Trailblazers beginning with Davis and Rodas on court one (6-4).
Saffron Dowse and
Rachelle Starreveld took control at the No. 2 position with a 6-2 win, while
Jayanne Palma and
Selin Sepken rounded it out with a 6-1 decision.
Idaho was picked seventh in the 2023 Big Sky preseason poll. The top six teams in the regular season standings will earn a bid to the Big Sky Championships in Phoenix, AZ for a three-day tournament, April 27-29.
The Vandals finished 5-13 overall and 3-5 in Big Sky action during the 2022 spring season. Idaho clinched a berth in the Big Sky Tournament in the regular season finale after defeating Eastern Washington, 4-3. Idaho ultimately fell in the first round to Idaho State (4-1).
Scouting the Pilots
Portland enters the weekend with a 3-2 record. The Pilots are undefeated at home this year defeating UC Davis (4-3) and most recently, wins over Nevada (5-2) and crosstown rival Portland State (6-1). Alaia Rubio Perez leads the team with a 1-0 record at No. 5 and a 3-1 mark at No. 6. Sally Pethybridge and Iva Zelic are 3-1 as a duo at the No. 1 position and Aleks Dimitrijevic and Rimona Rouf post a 4-1 record at No. 2.
Up Next
Idaho hits the road for its first conference matchup of the season, visiting in-state rival Idaho State on Thursday, Feb. 23 before heading to Utah State next to face the Aggies on Saturday, Feb. 25.
Fans can stay up-to-date on all things Idaho women's tennis by visiting GoVandals.com or by following the team on Twitter and Instagram, @IdahoWTennis.
--
