IRVINE, Calif. – In its first outdoor match of the season, the Portland State women's tennis team fell 5-2 to UC Irvine on Sunday at the Anteater Tennis Courts. The Vikings fell to 3-3 overall, while the Anteaters improved to 2-0.
 
"Our first match outdoors is always going to be tough," Viking head coach Kyle Russell said. "I thought we competed well and this will only help us moving forward. Everybody fought hard and gave themselves chances. Nika did a great job hanging around and pulling out a third set tiebreak."
 
The Vikings dropped the opening point, falling in two of three doubles matches. Nell Arendt and Emily Rees picked up the only doubles win for the Vikings at the No. 2 spot, defeating Alyssia Fossorier and Jenna Schalatter 6-3. The Anteaters secured the point with wins at the No. 1 and No. 3 spots. 
 
The Vikings secured two singles victories, despite several tight matches. Elizabeth Strongina and Nika Beukers both pulled off three-set wins for the Vikings. Strongina had a comeback defeat over Fossorier 3-6, 6-0, 6-3 on court two while Beukers did the same at No. 5 singles, beating Haily Huynh 3-6, 6-2, 7-6 (3). Arendt battled at the No. 3 spot, before dropping a 6-1, 7-6 (2), 6-3 match to Asha Gidwani.
 
The Vikings will return to action tomorrow, Feb. 6 against UC Riverside (1pm).