Pacific Index

Women’s Tennis Looks To Climb Rankings 

   After finishing runners-up in the conference last year, Women’s Tennis seeks to go one better. Despite losing Cassidy Binder, though she returned as assistant coach, returners in junior Mia Yamaguchi, junior Stella Nishimura, and freshman recruit Brooke Curtis, Pacific is hopeful that will be enough to finish best in the Northwest. Despite a 3-5 start however, they have won 3 straight against George Fox, Willamette, and Puget Sound all on the road to sit a 6-5, and 6-3 in conference play which is good enough for third.

   “It’s been decent so far,” said Curtis. “We had a couple of tough weekends, but overall we’ve been pulling through and putting out our best”.

    Curtis has had a stellar start to her Pacific career, going 6-5 in both singles and doubles so far. She is the only freshman on the varsity team, showcasing coach Traci Binder’s recruiting skills. That being said, she’s had to deal with some pressure against veteran competitors, but has absorbed it well. “I’ve tried to think of the pressure as a privilege,” said Curtis, “and be excited and grateful that I’m able to have these opportunities.”

    Junior Mia Yamaguchi has picked up right where she left off from last season, going 8-3 singles to start the season and is currently on a 5 game win streak. She has had some big shoes to fill after the departure of 3 seniors last season, and has done so brilliantly. Yamaguchi so far is a favorite to capture conference honors this season. She also is on a 5-game winning streak too.

    Curtis has gotten to play with her in doubles, and has played a big role in some of their 6-0 victories. Curtis had nothing but great things to say about her upper classmate teammate. “I’ve learned a lot from the returners from my team in how to be a better player, especially in doubles,” said Curtis, “so I’m definitely grateful to be teammates with them.”

    Junior Henleigh Elder has gotten some matches under her belt, as she seeks to keep pushing and improving. Elder highlighted that while Pacific have been great, they’ve had to deal with a bit of an injury bug, but are pushing through nonetheless.

    “The season is going really well for us despite some of our team being hurt,” said Elder, “but we’re all pushing through and doing our best.”

    Elder is 5-4 in doubles with fellow teammate junior Tiara Yueng, including 4-1 in conference play. Elder is also 1-1 with junior Morgan Wagoner as her partner. Wagoner is 3-7 in singles this season.

    Sophomore Chloe Takahashi and junior Stella Nishimura have had an outstanding season in doubles, going 8-1 when paired up together. Nishimura is 6-2 in singles while Takahashi is 6-5. 

    Women’s tennis gets their next 3 matches at home, taking on Salisbury University on Friday, March 20, before playing conference rivals Whitworth on Saturday, March 28 and Whitman on Sunday, March 29 in what will be very important matches for their conference title hopes.