Defending their Big Sky Conference championship from a year ago, the Hornets finished a perfect 6-0 in league play and improved 11-5 overall, backed by a predominately young lineup.

Once again it was Sacramento State’s freshmen who led the team to victory in its final conference match before the Big Sky tournament (April 27-29).

The Hornets recorded victories at No. 2 and No.3 doubles before, sweeping all six singles matches. Once again, it was freshman Luba Schifris in the No.1 spot, defeating Liz Walker, 6-1, 6-1. Schifris is now 5-0 at the No. 1 spot and 9-7 overall.

Joyce Martinez Gutierrez earned her third straight victory, defeating Mari Castello, 6-3, 6-4 at the No. 2 spot. At No. 3 Karina Jarlkaganova defeated Cheyene Ursich 6-2, 6-3.

The only upperclassmen in the lineup, junior Cecilia Helland improved to 12-4 this year with a 6-1, 6-0 victory over Martyna Nowak. Anastassia Lyssenko defeated Jonna Schwartz, 6-0, 6-2 at No.5, while Irina Taranenko competed at the No. 6 spot, recording a 6-4, 6-0 win over Alexandra Ulesanu.

The Grizzlies are now 4-9 and 1-1 in the Big Sky.

#46 Sacramento State 7, Montana 0

Doubles Competition

1. Liz Walker/Mari Castello (UM) def. Luba Schifris/Joyce Martinez Gutierrez (SAC) 8-6

2. Anastassia Lyssenko/Cecilia Helland (SAC) def. Martyna Nowak/Jonna Schwartz (UM) 8-3

3. Karina Jarlkaganova/Svetlana Pimenova (SAC) def. Cheyne Ursich/Malena Rosen (UM) 8-6

Singles competition

1. Luba Schifris (SAC) def. Liz Walker (UM) 6-1, 6-2

2. Joyce Martinez Gutierrez (SAC) def. Mari Castello (UM) 6-3, 6-4

3. Karina Jarlkaganova (SAC) def. Cheyne Ursich (UM) 6-2, 6-3

4. Cecilia Helland (SAC) def. Martyna Nowak (UM) 6-1, 6-0

5. Anastassia Lyssenko (SAC) def. Jonna Schwartz (UM) 6-0, 6-2

6. Irina Taranenko (SAC) def. Alexandra Ulesanu (UM) 6-4, 99-0