Women’s tennis once again defeated archrival Bellevue College 7-2 and remains undefeated in conference play.

Last Friday, Highline collected its third straight conference win against the Bulldogs, a momentous win for the Thunderbirds. Bellevue tennis has a winning program history having won the NWAC title in 2017, 2018, and 2019. No championships were held in the 2020-21 due to a covid-abbreviated season. 

“Bellevue has some very talented players on their roster but unfortunately they are dealing with some eligibility issues and were not able to field a full team. I’m really proud that the T-Birds were still able to maintain focus under that circumstance and pull off some big wins,” said Highline Head Coach Laura Rosa.

Three of the nine match wins were defaulted to Highline. The team has been handed a couple defaults per match this season. Only four out of five NWAC teams are competing this year with Skagit Valley’s program on hold due to budget problems. Teams that do compete have been forced to default matches due to ineligibility or lack of players. Winning by default is a tough position to be in, said Coach Rosa. 

“On one hand by being ready to compete those players are winning us some automatic points, but none of us want to win that way. I’m hoping the other NWAC teams get their rosters healthy by championships,” said Coach Rosa.

To top off the weekend win, Highline’s Mia Rosa was named NWAC player of the week for women’s tennis. She remains undefeated in conference at No. 1 in both singles and doubles. 

“I am both honored and humbled to be named NWAC player of the week. My progress is a reflection of my teammates who consistently help me better my game,” said Mia Rosa.

Rosa comes as a recent transfer from the University of Hawaii Hilo tennis program. She brings a high level of competition and experience to the NWAC, said Coach Rosa.

The tennis team is somewhat of a family affair. Mia Rosa is the daughter of Coach Laura Rosa and sibling to Assistant Coach Makoa Rosa. The Rosa family has a tradition of playing tennis within the NWAC as Coach Rosa has been greatly involved for over 20 years as a player, coach and tournament director, according to the Highline Athletics page. 

“Mia has also won half her matches at the No. 1 position against some really tough four-year schools. As a D2 transfer she brings a whole new level of competition to the NWAC and has matched up against some of the best college players in any level in the Pacific Northwest,” said Coach Rosa.

Highline is preparing for their next match against Treasure Valley. The team is currently training hard both on and off the court with the help of volunteer assistant Danielle Mendoza, said Mia Rosa. 

“Danielle helps with conditioning so that we can maintain a high level of fitness. As a team we feel ready and excited for our match against Treasure Valley,” said Mia Rosa.

“It will be a really long day but we have done it before successfully and hope to come home with another win,” said Coach Rosa. 

This Saturday, Highline tennis will fly into Boise for the Treasure Valley match beginning at 11 a.m.