Portland State women’s tennis lost 5-2 to Montana State in its Big Sky Conference opener on March 15 at the Tualatin Hills Tennis Center.
The match was significant as it marked the start of conference play for both teams. Portland State entered with a 4-3 record, while Montana State sought to improve its standing in the league.
Scarlett Perkins won her first Big Sky match at the No. 1 singles spot, defeating Anna Wise in straight sets, 7-5, 6-1. Marta Giglio also secured a victory at No. 2 singles over Nia Gelashvili, marking her seventh consecutive win and improving her season record to 7-1. Despite these individual successes, Portland State could not overcome Montana State’s overall performance.
Doubles matches played a crucial role in determining momentum. Hana Abdelhamid and Giglio earned a convincing win at No. 1 doubles (6-2), but Montana State responded with an identical score at No. 2 doubles. The deciding point came down to court three, where Perkins and Anjola Ige lost in a tiebreaker, giving the Bobcats an early lead.
Montana State continued their strong play in singles competition by winning matches at lines three and six. Kasumi Hirayama forced a third-set tiebreaker at No. 4 singles but ultimately fell short, while Abdelhamid was unable to hold off Lola Bean after taking the opening set at No. 5.
Portland State will return to action against Montana on Monday, March 16, again at the Tualatin Hills Tennis Center.
