SPOKANE, Wash. – Facing Division I competition for the second time this season, the Linfield women’s tennis club battled hard but ultimately fell to Gonzaga 5-2 Saturday at the Spokane Racquet Club.

The Wildcats run their record to 6-3 overall and remain at 6-1 in Northwest Conference action. The Gonzaga Bulldogs, who compete in the West Coast Conference, improve to 4-9 overall.

Abby Olbrich had a great showing, winning both her singles and doubles matches. She and Sarah Click combined to defeat Clare Dodge and Kristina Zauere 8-5. In singles play, she again beat Dodge, this time by a score of 6-3, 3-6, 6-3.

Kiana Nip was the only other victor for the ‘Cats as she picked up the No. 6 singles win against Hanley Caras 7-5, 6-2.

Gonzaga prevailed in the bottom two doubles flights and swept the middle four singles matches to earn the match victory.

The No. 2 tandem of Prue Teitzel and Jackie Tabb bested Caroline Brigham (Jr., Eagle, Idaho) and Sophie Larson 8-2. Taurie Bjerkin and Kelly Humphrey defeated Sarah Watanabe and Lexi Thomas (Sr., Redding, Calif.) 8-2.

In singles play, Sophie Lantta earned a 6-0, 6-2 decision in the No. 2 flight by topping Thomas. Britta Stime defeated Larson 6-0, 6-1. Linfield’s Brigham took Gabrielle Verspieren to three sets before falling 3-6, 6-0, 6-4. Bjerkin got the final win for the Bulldogs over Watanabe 6-1, 6-2.

NEXT: The ‘Cats host Hardin-Simmons in a nonconference match beginning Tuesday at 3:30 p.m.