PARKLAND, Wash. – Pacific Lutheran rallied to defeat visiting Whitworth 5-4 in a Northwest Conference women's tennis match on Saturday afternoon.

Bayley Gochanour edged Avery Liening 2-6, 6-2, 6-4 in the decisive match at #3 singles to claim the victory for the Lutes (3-8, 2-3 NWC).  The Pirates fell to 4-6, 3-3.

Whitworth had a 2-1 lead after doubles thanks to victories in the #1 and #2 matches.  Erica Lee and Emma Jo Wiley shut out Caroline Dreher and Hannah Jeffries 8-0 at #1, while Liening and Marissa Kirk rolled past Gochanour and Lauren Kearney 8-2 at #2.  PLU's Victoria Bolshakova and Kristi Floyd pulled out a 9-8 (7-4) win over Jennifer Adams and Kiana Pielli at #3 doubles for what proved to be a pivotal point.

The Pirates got their singles points from Adams at #2 and Katie Lacayo at #5.  Adams defeated Jefferies 6-1, 6-0, while Lacayo topped Kearney 6-2, 6-2.  

After an exhibition contest at Bellevue CC on Sunday, Whitworth will travel to California for three matches over Spring Break (March 26-29).