LEWISTON, Idaho—The Vandal women's tennis team won its third straight Big Sky matchup on Saturday. Idaho defeated Idaho State, 5-2, after moving the match from Moscow to Lewiston due to weather concerns.

Idaho bounced on the Bengals early sweeping the doubles point, helping the squad improve to 4-1 in conference play. Marianna Petrei teamed with Lucia Badillos in No. 3 doubles for Idaho's first win of the day. Ana Batiri and Belen Barcenilla followed suit with a 6-1 win on the No. 1 court. Rita Bermudez and Maria Tavares took the No. 2 court, 7-6(5), for good measure.

“Idaho State came in hungry and prepared just like every Big Sky team we have faced,” head coach Mariana Cobra stated. “Winning the doubles point definitely gave us the momentum.”

Idaho State got back to even, winning the first singles match of the day. Svenja Tegtmeier took No. 2 play over Bermudez, 6-1, 6-2. Petrei put the Vandals up 2-1 with her 11th straight singles win of the season. She went 6-3, 6-3 over ISU's Kasey Bacon on the No. 1 court. Tavares earned Idaho's third point with her 5-7, 6-1, 6-3 battle from the No. 4 position.

“We had to dig deep and stay focused on the big points today,” Cobra added. “We were able to do a good job of that today.”

Wiebke Boeckmann tightened up the match, scoring a 2-6, 7-5, 7-6(8) win for the Bengals in No. 3 play. Idaho scored wins from Barcenilla and Celine Koets to close out the match.

“I am very proud of how we continue to get better after every match,” Cobra explained.

Idaho returns to action from Reno, Nev., on Wednesday, March 16, against Nevada.