PORTLAND, Ore. – The Linfield women’s tennis club had a tough opening to the season, falling to the University of Portland 6-0 Saturday morning at the Louisiana-Pacific Tennis Center.

The Pilots defeated their Wildcat counterparts in every match, save the No. 5 singles competition, which was not finished.

The match featured the Division I scoring model, which awards only one team point for the combined winner of doubles competitions. This is different from the Division III scoring method, which awards one point for each doubles match.

Though the ‘Cats were soundly defeated in terms of the score, head coach Amy Dames Smith was encouraged by her squad’s effort and play.

“We came out against U.P. competing hard,” she said. “As a team, we played with intensity and fought to the last point.”

With the victory, the University of Portland improves its record to 4-3 as Linfield starts the season at 0-1.

NEXT: The ‘Cats open Northwest Conference play with a contest against Pacific Lutheran in Tacoma. Match time is slated for 2:30 p.m.