The No. 25 University of Redlands women's tennis team took on in-region foe, No. 28 Whitman College (WA), on Friday afternoon on Verdieck Courts.  While leaving it all on the courts, the Bulldogs battled to a 3-6 loss in the non-conference match against the Blues.

The top doubles duo of sophomore Elizabeth Johnson (Portland, OR) and freshman Sarah Ikioka (Wailuku, HI) rolled to an impressive 8-0 victory to start things off on a positive note for the Maroon and Gray. 

However, Whitman had other plans for the remainder of the doubles matches, as the visitors took home victories at Nos. 2 and 3.

Trailing by a small 1-2 deficit, the Bulldogs looked to strong performances in singles to pull out the positive result.  Sophomore Madison Ross (San Diego, CA) did her part at the No. 6 slot by registering a 6-0, 6-1 win to even the count in the team scoring. 

However, Whitman came roaring back with straight-set wins at Nos. 4 and 5.

Down 2-4, the Maroon and Gray kept hope alive with Johnson's solid 6-1, 7-5 showing at the No. 3 position. But Redlands needed both of the remaining singles matches to complete the comeback.  Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, neither went their way.  Although Ikioka and senior Emily Murnin (Salt Lake City, UT) each forced an incredible effort out of their counterparts, they ultimately fell short in the highly-competitive matches.

Redlands (5-9) wins tomorrow's match against Cal Lutheran University by forfeit and now looks forward to facing No. 2 Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Colleges on Friday, April 7, at 3 p.m. on Verdieck Courts.