MISSOULA, Mont. – The Portland State women's tennis team earned its third Big Sky conference win on Friday, defeating Montana 5-2 at the Peak Racquet Club. The Vikings improved to 9-10 overall and 3-2 in conference play, while the Grizzlies dropped to 5-12 overall and 2-5 in Big Sky action.

"Montana posed a lot of obstacles," assistant coach Josiah Petersen said. "Aside from the elevation, the Griz had a lot of weapons and were a team that we prepared for intensely. Our girls took a big moment in our season and handled it with tremendous courage and poise. I was extremely proud of each of them and so happy for them that they could fight their way to a win today."

The Vikings had a strong start to the day, taking two of three doubles matches. Masha Ponomareva and Capu Sanoner improved to 9-0 on the year, topping Lauren Dunlap and Rosie Sterk 6-3 on court one. Nika Beukers and Nell Arendt secured the point for Portland State with a 6-4 win over Maria Goheen and Grace Haugen at the No. 2 spot.

The Vikings won four consecutive singles matches to clinch the victory. Sanoner started things off with a win at No. 2 over Olivia Oosterbaan 6-2, 6-4. Beukers did the same on court four, beating Lauren Dunlap 6-2, 6-3. Ponomareva secured her sixth win of the season on court one with a 6-2, 6-3 victory over Grace Haugen. Elizabeth Strongina rounded out the scoring for Portland State on court three, scratching her way to a 6-4, 7-6 (7) win over Hailey Murphey.

"Our team faced unique challenges when playing at high altitude due to the remarkable speed at which the balls flew," Strongina said following the match. "Everyone on the team gave their all on the court, showcasing our determination and skill. Today was exceptional as we pushed ourselves to achieve the best of the best."

The Vikings will look for their third straight conference victory on Sunday, April 9 when they take on Montana State in Bozeman (8 a.m. PT / 9 a.m. MT).