FOREST GROVE, Ore. –
Kaitlynn Canubida earned her second win of the season as Linfield's No. 1 singles player, but the Wildcats could not find success elsewhere in the lineup Sunday, falling at Pacific 6-1.
The Wildcats (0-8, 0-6) were able to compete with the Boxers (3-4, 3-2) in the top half of the ladder but found themselves outmatched by Pacific's depth further down the lineup.
"We showed much better effort today," said head coach Phill Whitehead. "Now a day off and then back to work with a stronger sense of urgency and preparation for George Fox and Lewis & Clark."
DOUBLES
Pacific quickly jumped out to a 1-0 lead on the day with a 6-0 win at No. 3 and 6-1 win at No. 2.
Linfield nearly avoided the sweep thanks to a spirited effort by Canubida and her partner
Samantha Baltz at No. 1 doubles, but ultimately lost by tiebreak 7-6 (7-3) to top Pacific duo Chloe Takahashi and Stella Nishimura to allow the Boxers to sweep tandem action.
"Sam and Kaitlynn held a match point at No. 1 doubles before being taken to a tiebreaker where they came up short in a terrific doubles match," said Whitehead. "Number two and three doubles are beginning to show that they are getting more competitive and really played some good points, it was the most movement I've seen from both teams this year."
SINGLES
The Boxers then took a 2-0 lead on the day when
Sundi King's comeback effort fell short at No. 4, losing to Brooke Curtis 6-0, 6-3.
At No. 2 Baltz narrowly dropper her first set to Nishimura and eventually lost 7-5, 6-3, followed by nearly an identical score at No. 3 where Tiara Yeung beat
Emily Redwood 7-5, 6-2, setting the Boxers up to clinch with the score at 3-0.
"Singles was so encouraging," said Whitehead. "Sam played so well at No. 2 but came up just short. It was a long, but great, weekend for her. She is getting back into match form at the right time."
"Emily and Sundi really fought hard and showed signs of improvement and ability to bring home wins soon."
Pacific managed to do just that with a 6-0, 6-0 win at No. 5, before extending the lead to six with a 6-1, 6-2 win for Morgan Wagoner over
Lyla Khlee.
"
Gianna Molony and Lyla are getting used to the college game and are still working at becoming more consistent ball strikers, but it was a very encouraging match."
Canubida ended the day on a winning note for the Wildcats, getting off to a strong start in the first set before dropping the second, then holding on in a ten-point tiebreak third set to secure a 6-4, 2-6, 10-8 victory.
"Kaitlynn with a tough victory today at No 1," said Whitehead. "She was so mentally strong and was not going to be denied."
NEXT
Linfield will host cross-county rival George Fox (3-3, 3-2) next Saturday, March 7 at 11 a.m. for their final home match till March 29. The Wildcats kick off a six match road stretch the following day at Lewis & Clark.
