SPOKANE, Wash. - The Whitworth University women's tennis team opened the 2008 Northwest Conference season with a pair of impressive wins. The Pirates defeating visiting Pacific University 9-0 on Friday afternoon, then swept visiting George Fox University 9-0 on Saturday morning.

Whitworth lost only one set against the Boxer on Friday. Rachel Burns (#1 singles) and Linh Aven (#3 singles) each won 6-0, 6-0 in her singles match. Katie Staudinger was nearly as impressive at #4 singles, winning 6-0, 6-1. Aven teamed with Lexy Harrington to win the #1 doubles match 8-2.

Burns teamed with Taryn Smith to win #2 doubles against George Fox 8-0. Staudinger and Justine Hays were almost as dominant, winning 8-1. Smith went on to win 6-2, 6-4 at #5 singles, while Hays won 6-3, 6-0 at #6 singles. Staudinger won her singles match love and love.

The Pirates continue their three-match homestand on Sunday afternoon when they host Whitman College at the Scotford Tennis Center.