NEWBERG, Ore. – Linfield played its second-to-last match of the season Saturday across Yamhill County at George Fox Saturday, falling to the Bruins 7-0.
The young Wildcat squad gave competitive performances in doubles and in stretches during singles action but struggled to clinch winning points against a George Fox team that was playing to keep its season alive in the Northwest Conference tournament race.
"I think this match was a snapshot of our season," said head coach
Phil Whitehead. "There was great effort and growth but just a little bit short of getting wins. We were better today than the last time we faced them, but it showed that we still have some work to do."
DOUBLES
Despite George Fox taking their first doubles win 6-0 at No. 3, Linfield nearly stole the point to start the day before the Bruins rallied late, both matches tied at 4-4 before late runs fueled a doubles sweep.
At No. 1
Kaitlynn Canubida and
Samantha Baltz were even with Riley Bobkiewicz and Shanah Denham before an eventual 6-4 George Fox win, followed by an identical final at No. 2 moments later in victory for Sophie Denham and Juhree Kizziar against
Emily Redwood and
Gianna Molony.
"Kaitlynn and Sam scrambled so hard, took advantage of some openings and really looked like they are getting back to their early season form," said Whitehead. "But so much energy from Emily and Gianna at No. 2. The way they pressured the net for easy points and both had great shots from the baseline made their first time as a team so fun to watch."
SINGLES
The most competitive match of the day was at the top of the lineup between Canubida and Bobkiewicz, who barely outlasted Canubida in the first set before pulling away late in the second take the top flight win 7-6 (7-5), 6-3.
"Kaitlynn came out strong and had set point on her racquet that first set but there were just a couple of chances that we couldn't capitalize on and it was a different outcome," said Whitehead. "But such a closer match and better played than their first go around early in the season."
At No. 2 Baltz, returning to the singles lineup after being forced to retire in her last match, found herself unable to win a game in her set against Shanah Denham despite all six going to deuce, Denham eventually taking the contest 6-0, 6-3.
Redwood gave a strong effort at No. 3, winning multiple games against Sophie Denham but the Bruin securing victory 6-3, 6-2.
"Sam and Emily played two of the most consistent players in the conference, and their margin of error was so small that even though they both are playing well it just wasn't enough," said Whitehead. "Sam's first set was so tough; we just couldn't get that last point."
Molony took three games in the first set at No. 5 before Audrey Gardner managed to pull away to win 6-3, 6-0, while at No. 6
Lyla Khlee took two games in each set against Nicole Schnurbusch in a 6-2, 6-2 match.
"In singles play we just need to keep fighting, cut down on our errors and just keep the ball in play until we get an opening and then attack," said Whitehead. "So much improvement this last month, I know it is frustrating for them, I feel it too, but this team will finish strong tomorrow and then get back to work to take another step forward."
NEXT
The Wildcats wrap up the season tomorrow, Sunday, April 12, hosting the Lewis & Clark River Otters at 11 a.m.
