BOZEMAN, Mont. – The Northern Arizona women's tennis team continues to build momentum heading towards the Big Sky Championships with just two matches left in the season. On Saturday, the Lumberjacks extended their winning streak to four matches with a 5-2 victory over Montana State. NAU moves to 12-9 this season and 8-2 in the Big Sky.

"Another gutsy performance from our women today," said head coach Kim Bruno. "Montana State played tough from the start and we had to fight hard for every point. We stepped up big time today and we found a way to win and that is all that matters."

The Lumberjacks had to come from behind after Montana State took the doubles point for the early 1-0 lead but with five victories the Lumberjacks were able to get their eighth win in conference.

"Today's match was really close but at the end of the day we were the mentally and physically tougher team," said Johanna Vang. "We are learning how to stick to our game plans and I think that is what has made us successful in the last couple of matches."

Hailey Rochin got NAU its first win of the day on court two with a 7-5, 6-4 win over Wanda Holopainen to tie the match up at 1-1. Taking the lead for the Lumberjacks was Vang at the No. 1 position in a tough three-set match against Laura Middel. Middel took the first set 7-5 but Vang stormed back with a 6-4 win in the second set and clinching the match in the third set with a 6-3 victory.

After Vang's win the Lumberjacks never relinquished the lead as Montana State tied the match at 2-2 with a win on court three but NAU reclaimed the lead on court four from Jordan Denesik with a 6-7 (5-7), 6-4, 6-3 victory to give NAU the 3-2 lead.

Marta Lewandowska clinched the match for Northern Arizona on court five with another three-set match over Montana State's Angelina Philippova. Lewandowska dropped the first set 6-3 but the native of Poland rallied in the final two sets to beat Philippova 6-4, 7-6 (7-5) to give NAU the victory. NAU's final win of the day came from Sara Brown on court six over Molly in a 6-4, 7-6 (7-1) win.

Northern Arizona will be back in action tomorrow, April 19, to close out the regular season on the road against Montana.

Results

Doubles

1. Laura Middel/Jessica Brycki (MSU) def. Johanna Vang/Marta Lewandowska (NAU) 6-3
2. Hailey Rochin/Emelia Box (NAU) def. Liana Bates/Naomi Holopainen (MSU) 6-3
3. Molly Crum/Angelina Philippova (MSU) def. Sarah Maria Spruch/Livia Hollosy (NAU) 7-5

Order of Finish: 2, 1, 3

Singles

1. Johanna Vang (NAU) def. Laura Middel (MSU) 5-7, 6-4, 6-3
2. Hailey Rochin (NAU) def. Wanda Holopainen (MSU) 7-5, 6-4
3. Jessica Brycki (MSU) def. Emelia Box (NAU) 6-1, 4-6 7-6 (7-2)
4. Jordan Denesik (NAU) def. Naomi Holopainen (MSU) 6-7 (5-7), 6-4, 6-3
5. Marta Lewandowska (NAU) def. Angelina Philippova (MSU) 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7-5)
6. Sara Brown (NAU) def. Molly Crum (MSU) 6-4, 7-6 (7-1)

Order of Finish: 2, 1, 3, 4, 5, 6