BEAVERTON, Ore. – The Portland State women's tennis team held its own against Boise State on Saturday, winning a pair of singles matches while pushing two others to a third set before ultimately dropping the match 5-2 at the Tualatin Hills Tennis Center.

The loss dropped the Vikings to 4-6 on the year while the Broncos improved to 6-3 overall. 

Boise State took care of business in doubles action, jumping out to an early 1-0 lead. Lorelyz Marruffo and Nicole Discenza handed 2022 first-team All-Big Sky duo Nika Beukers and Capu Sanoner an uncharacteristic loss, 6-3, at the No. 1 spot. The defeat snapped Sanoner's seven-match win streak in doubles, her last loss also coming against Boise State on March 5, 2022. The Broncos secured the opening point with a victory at No. 2 doubles. 

The Vikings were scrappy during singles play, winning the opening set in three of six matches. Playing loosely and confidently at No. 3, Viking freshman Elizabeth Strongina defeated Holy Stewart in straight sets (6-3, 6-3). The Broncos answered with back-to-back wins at No. 2 and 6, needing just one more win to clinch the match. A valiant comeback effort from Nell Arendt on court five came up just short, as she fell to Shauna Heffernan 6-3, 3-6, 6-3.

Playing out a full third set on court one, Masha Ponomareva picked up the Vikings' final point of the day with a 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 win over Pauline Ernstberger. Despite winning her first set 6-3 at No. 4 singles, Beukers couldn't hold on to that momentum, as she dropped the final match of the day 6-3, 3-6, 3-6 to Joana Baptista. 

Following an exhibition match against British Columbia on Sunday, Feb. 19, Portland State will prepare for its Big Sky opener next weekend (Saturday, Feb. 25) against Idaho State at the Tualatin Hills Tennis Center (11 a.m.).