Eagle women's tennis picked third in Big Sky

FARMINGTON, UTAH - With its highest prediction since 2011, the Eastern Washington University women's tennis squad is selected to finish third in the 2021 Big Sky Preseason Coaches' Poll, as announced by the league on Thursday (Jan. 7). The Eagles commence the 2021 spring season on Jan. 17 in Spokane, Wash., as they face Gonzaga University at 4 p.m. Pacific time.

EWU received 52 points altogether from the conference coaches, with two first place votes. Northern Arizona was selected to finish first with 62 points and six first place votes, while Weber State was picked second with 55 points and one first place vote. The Eagles edged out Idaho who received 38 points and Montana who received 30.

"It's an exciting time for our program. Just having the chance to get back on the court is refreshing for everyone. We know we have a lot of talent coming back in addition to the new athletes on the roster," head coach Dustin Hinson said. "That is a good feeling, but it doesn't mean anything unless we put that talent to practice and work to get better every day. The Big Sky Conference is always tough top to bottom so we have to be motivated for success every time we step on the court."

Eastern's 2019-20 season was cut short due to COVID-19, but the Eagles were still able to find success, finishing with an overall record of 6-4 and 4-1 in Big Sky Conference play, defeating both Portland State and Southern Utah 14-0 collectively.

The 2020 season saw Rylee Braeden and Zoey Nelson both put together a 4-1 mark in Big Sky action and end the season on a three-match winning streak.

Senior Stephanie Broussard and juniors Yasmin Mansouri and Louise Waite, along with sophomore Renata Gabuzyan, return to the squad as they add two newcomers in Jennifer Kida from Wilmington, Calif., and Scout Mathews from Honolulu, Hawai'i.

The 2021 Big Sky Tournament will be held on April 23-25 in Phoenix, Ariz., with the top-six teams earning a bid.