Box Score (SURPRISE, Ariz.) Fourth-seeded PLNU Women's Tennis took care of business in the PacWest Tournament quarterfinals, beating 12th-seeded Stanislaus State by a convincing 4-0 margin on Thursday morning.
 
On Wednesday, Stanislaus State became the first 12 seed to advance to the PacWest Women's Tennis quarterfinals after beating fifth-seeded Fresno Pacific in the first round.
 
But Point Loma ensured the Warriors wouldn't be the first 12 seed to reach the conference tournament semifinals, with a fast start in doubles helping PLNU avoid an upset.
 
"The girls played really solid in doubles," Head Coach Curt Wheeler said. "In these conditions, doubles and singles are a little bit more difficult and take a little bit more mental focus. The girls responded really well and set the tone in doubles and then started a lot of singles matches really strong as well."
 
The Sea Lions won both doubles matches that finished, taking both by a 6-1 margin.
 
Early breaks on courts one and two sparked PLNU early, with Arianna Audelo and Thelma Sepulveda racing out to a 5-0 lead at No. 1 doubles.
 
A volley at the net from Audelo won the first doubles match, before All-PacWest doubles pairing Angelique Friedrich and Joelle Lanz clinched the doubles point for PLNU with their 6-1 victory at No. 2.
 
Friedrich (6-1, 6-0 at No. 3), Sepulveda (6-1, 6-1 at No. 4) and Rachel Whittington (6-2, 6-2) then claimed singles wins to clinch the quarterfinal victory for the Sea Lions.
 
The win is a big step for PLNU toward being one of four teams to qualify for the upcoming NCAA West Regional.
 
Point Loma entered the tournament ranked fourth in the most recent regional rankings and the two teams below the Sea Lions in those rankings have both already lost in the PacWest Tournament.
 
"We're focused on wanting to qualify for regionals and making a run to win the conference tournament," Wheeler said. "Regardless of who they were playing, what seed they were playing, they showed up ready to go today and are excited for tomorrow."
 
Point Loma (15-7 overall) now advance to take on top-seeded Hawaii Pacific on Friday at 9 a.m. in the PacWest semifinals.
 
"Our girls know that if we take care of our side of the net, we're going to put ourselves in position to compete with anybody," Wheeler said. "I feel confident in saying that and I'm excited to see the girls have a challenge tomorrow, but I'm expecting good things as well."