PHOENIX, Ariz. – For just the second time in program history, the third-seeded Portland State women's tennis team won its opening match of the Big Sky Tournament, doing so 4-1 in the quarterfinals against sixth-seeded Montana at the Phoenix Tennis Center on Thursday. The Vikings improved to 12-11 overall, tying the most wins in program history. Montana finished the season 6-13.

"I loved how we competed and fought for every point on every court today," head coach Kyle Russell said after the win. "All eight players did everything they could to help us be victorious. I'm excited for us to get back out there and see what we can do tomorrow."

The Vikings proved their dominance in doubles action, clinching the opening point with wins at No. 1 and No. 3. In no surprise, Capu Sanoner and Masha Ponomareva took care of business on court one, defeating Rosie Sterk and Lauren Dunlap 6-4 to improve to 13-0 on the season. Makoto Ohara and Emily Rees secured the 1-0 lead for the Vikings on court three, beating Olivia Oosterbaan and Hailey Murphy 6-4.

The Vikings began singles action needing just three wins to advance to tomorrow's semifinal match. Ponomareva dominated in the top spot, cruising past Grace Haugen 6-1, 6-1. Elizabeth Strongina extended her win streak to seven with a 6-2, 6-3 win over Oosterbaan on court two. After a Montana win on court three, Ohara brought it home for Portland State, battling her way to a three-set victory at No. 4 (4-6, 6-4, 6-4) over Dunlap. The remaining two matches were left unfinished.

As they look to advance to their first-ever conference championship match, the Vikings will face Weber State in the semifinals on Friday at 8:00 am at the Phoenix Tennis Center.