THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - Southwestern opened their California trip with an 8-1 win over California Lutheran Thursday evening. 

The Pirates swept doubles action with CLU not winning more than three sets in any single match. Cardone/Schneeman posted an 8-3 win in #1 doubles, while a pair of 8-2 wins closed out doubles play with Bowers/Swets winning in the #2 slot and Wilson/Kahl taking the win at #3. 

"Anna and Mary played extremely well against a solid team," said Head Coach Billy Porter. "Anna's patience from the baseline was the difference."

Esther Bowers continued her strong play, winning the first singles match of the day at #4 6-2, 6-0 over Annette Sousa. Cecile Wilde blanked Jade Moore at #6 singles 6-0, 6-0 to seal the victory for the Pirates early. Mary Cardone made quick work of Kurdys at #1 singles, taking the match 6-3, 6-0. 

Mariana Quetzeri was strong at #5 singles, winning 6-1, 6-2 while Taite Drews-Jones battled to the very end breaking twice to force second set breaker before falling 7-6, 6-7, 10-6. 

"What we did on the back courts was impressive. Esther, Mariana and Cecile all did what they needed to in order to secure the win," said Coach Porter.

Southwestern remains in California to take on #8 Wesleyan on Friday beginning at 4 pm CT.