Sept. 13, 2012

 The women's tennis team is on its way to Pullman, Wash., to start its fall competitive season at the Washington State Cougar Classic at Washington State University.

In addition to Washington State, Montana will compete against Boise State, Gonzaga, Portland State, Eastern Washington, Montana State, Seattle, Lewis-Clark State, Lewis and Clark and Idaho.

The Grizzlies welcome back a strong group of returners. Heather Davidson of Rocklin, Calif. is the team's lone senior. She joins juniors Ashley Mackey and Maddy Murray and sophomores Haley Driver, Precious Gbadamosi and Laurence Pelchat. Freshman Mackenzie Rozell rounds out the team. She comes to Montana from Springfield, Mo.

Both Pelchat and Davidson were named to the first team All-Big Sky Conference team last year. Gbadamosi received second team honors.

After losing the Big Sky Conference championship to Sacramento State last year in the Grizzlies' first ever appearance at the conference final, the team is ready to build on the success they had last year.

"We are excited to get the season rolling," said head coach Steve Ascher. "We are looking forward to getting involved in some challenging matches and see how everyone rises to those moments."

As a main threat in the Big Sky Conference, the Grizzlies use fall tournaments to get back into the swing of competition and is a good time to perfect different skills.

"Everyone is competing well and practices have been concentrated," said Ascher. "The level of play is good. This time of year is always fun as we have had a long time off from college competition. The energy to get back on the courts to compete is always high."

The Washington State Cougar Classic kicks off on Friday, Sept. 14, and continues through Sunday. Results will be posted on GoGriz.com on Monday following the completion of the tournament.

In addition to competing at Washington State, the Griz will also compete in tournaments in Idaho, California and Nevada this fall.