Leathernecks split day one of Summit League cluster

FORT WAYNE, Ind. - The Western Illinois women's tennis team split day one of the Summit League cluster as it defeated IUPUI, 4-3, but fell to IPFW, 5-0.

Bouncing back from the morning loss to the Mastodons, the Fighting Leathernecks were off to a rocky start as IUPUI captured the doubles point with victories over Western at No. 1 and 3. Yana Meinert and Marcela Brandao paired at the No. 2 position for the Leathernecks' only doubles point with an 8-1 victory.

Meinert went on to record a three-set win in the No. 3 singles flight, 6-2, 2-6 and 6-3. Stephanie Baumer won court No. 2 without giving up a single point in the second set, 6-1 and 6-0. Amy Unzicker and Kate Kennedy each had success in shutting out their respective opponents in at least one set as well, taking the No. 5 and No. 6 courts.

"We feel good about the IUPUI win," Western Illinois head coach Michael Hunt said. "Our goal this weekend is to win three of four, but you have to win the first one before you can win the third. We are still on track to do what we want. IUPUI is a much improved and dangerous team. We feel fortunate to have pulled it out."

IPFW swept the doubles point with Brandao and Meinert coming closest to a win at the No. 2 spot, falling 8-6. Unzicker and Claire Griffin fell at the No. 3 position 8-5, while Baumer and Jill Furlong were defeated 8-3.

In singles play, Kennedy was leading Yuka Kobayashi, 6-2, at the No. 6 spot, but was unable to finish. Brandao fell at No. 1 (6-1, 6-3), Baumer fell on the No. 2 court 6-1 in each set and Furlong dropped the No. 3 court by 6-0 in both sets.

"IPFW was just too deep and too experienced," Hunt said. "They were the preseason consensus pick to win the Summit and with good reason. We competed hard in doubles, but our singles was just a little flat. We now are getting ready for Oakland tomorrow. They'll be another tough challenge."

The Leathernecks continue Summit League action with a 9 a.m. match against Oakland, Friday, April 2 with Oral Roberts to follow on Saturday as the final regular-season match of the spring.

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Players Mentioned

Kate Kennedy: PLAYER; 5' 4"; Junior

Amy Unzicker: PLAYER; 5' 7"; Sophomore

Yana Meinert: PLAYER; 5' 9"; Senior

Stephanie Baumer: PLAYER; 5' 10"; Senior

Claire Griffin: PLAYER; 5' 6"; Sophomore

Marcela Brandao: PLAYER; 5' 8"; Redshirt

Players Mentioned

Kate Kennedy
: 5' 4"; Junior
: PLAYER

Amy Unzicker
: 5' 7"; Sophomore
: PLAYER

Yana Meinert
: 5' 9"; Senior
: PLAYER

Stephanie Baumer
: 5' 10"; Senior
: PLAYER

Claire Griffin
: 5' 6"; Sophomore
: PLAYER

Marcela Brandao
: 5' 8"; Redshirt
: PLAYER