NEWBERG, Ore. – Visiting Whitworth took an early lead, but could not sustain the momentum in a 7-2 loss at George Fox in a Northwest Conference women's tennis contest on Sunday morning.

The Pirates (6-8 overall, 1-4 NWC) scored two points in doubles, but could not win in singles against the Bruins (7-8, 3-2).

Whitworth won two of the three doubles matches.  Gracie Smyley and Natalie Budge earned an 8-3 win at #1 doubles over Cassey Hitch and Kalli Wiker.  Olivia Corbett and Elizabeth Hopkins won by an identical score over Arianna Rader and Brenna Vander Yacht at #3.  Kara Nelson and Meredith Bedford lost 8-5 to Ellie Mangan and Olivia Morris at #2.

The Pirates could not keep the momentum going into singles, though Smyley and Budge went to a third set at the top of the ladder.  Wiker rallied to defeat Smyley 1-6, 6-2, 6-1 at #1 singles.  Morris did likewise against Budge at #2 by a score of 4-6, 6-0, 7-5. 

Vander Yacht edged Libertad Sarmiento 6-4, 6-4 at #6 singles.

Whitworth will return to action on Wednesday afternoon when the Pirates host Pacific (Ore.) at 4:00 pm.