WALLA WALLA, Wash. – Whitworth University secured a 4-0 win over Lewis & Clark College in the second semifinal match of the 2026 Northwest Conference women's tennis tournament on Saturday evening at the Whitman Tennis Courts.

With the win, the Pirates (15-6) advanced to the NWC tournament championship match for the first time since 2022. The River Otters finished the season with an 11-8 overall record and 9-5 conference record.

Whitworth clinched the first match with a pair of doubles wins, something the Bucs were unable to do in their last battle with L&C. Olivia Corbett and Audrey Judson earned a 6-4 win from the No. 3 position. Faith Kert and Clara Todd gave Whitworth the early advantage with a 6-3 win on the No. 1 court.

Three wins in the top three singles courts pushed the Pirates to Sunday. Jordan Turner-Esposito defeated Maya Curry 7-5, 6-2 in the No. 3 position. Faith Kert earned her third win of the season over Charlotte Makoni, this time by a score of 6-3, 6-2. Paige Oliver finished the job with a 6-0, 7-6 (7-4) over Susanna Anand, who had beaten Oliver twice this season.

The Whitworth women will battle Whitman in the tournament championship match on Sunday at noon. The Blues have beaten the Pirates twice this season by a combined score of 9-5.