Women's Tennis Collects First Victory of Season Over Green Bay

Victories at No. 1, 2, 3, and 4 singles propel Leathernecks to first victory of 2015

RESULTS
PEORIA, Ill. - The Western Illinois women's tennis team notched its first win of the 2015 season Saturday afternoon, knocking off Green Bay, 4-3. The victory was part of a Saturday double dual, as the Leathernecks dropped a match to Bradley to kick-off the afternoon of competition. With the pair of results, Western moves to 1-9 on the season.

"I am so proud of the way we played today," said head coach Raquel Allen. "We had a good start against Bradley in doubles and were almost able to get the doubles point. We had a slow start in doubles against Green Bay, but the girls really brought it in singles. I am so happy we were able to get the win today, they fought hard and deserved the win. It has been four years since we had a Division I win, so I am very proud of our accomplishment today."

Western, who had dropped its previous 63 matches against Division I opponents, found themselves in an early hole as Green Bay took the doubles point with a sweep of the three doubles matches to secure the point.

In singles action, the Purple and Gold stormed back to pick up four victories en route to the thrilling 4-3 decision, with all four of Western's victories came in straight sets over the Phoenix. Courtney Lubbers got the scoring started with a victory at the No. 1 spot. Squaring off against Green Bay's Stephanie Londre, Lubbers cruised to a 6-2, 6-3 victory. Up next was Jenna Wallace as she faced Olivia Headford at the No. 2 position. The two would battle in the opening set, with Wallace narrowly picking up a 7-5 victory. In the second set, it was all Wallace as she dominated Hedford, 6-1.

Arianna Demos kept the train rolling at No. 3 singles, as she defeated Lauren Miketinac. With the two knotted up at 6-all in the first set, it would come down to a tiebreaker to determine the first set winner. Demos was up to the challenge, taking the tiebreaker, 7-0, to claim the first set, 7-6. In the second set, Demos secured Western's third team point as she won, 6-3. Nicole Jones was the fourth Leatherneck to claim victory, as she defeated Samm Pedersen at the No. 4 spot. Jones took the first set without much trouble, 6-1, before having to battle in the second set. Ultimately it was Jones with the victory, 7-5, sending Western to its first victory against a Division I foe since knocking off Centenary, 4-0, on April 15, 2011.

Andriana Johnson nearly picked up a victory at No. 5 singles, falling in three sets. After dropping the first set 6-0, Johnson took the second set by a 6-4 margin, to force a decisive third set. Ultimately it was Rachel Menos of Green Bay with a 6-1 victory in the third set. Jamee Hale battled at the No. 6 position, ultimately dropping a straights sets match to Maria Neff.

The victory came on the heels of a tough dual against the hosts, Bradley. Bradley opened up to an early 1-0 lead after taking the doubles point with victories at No. 1 and No. 3. The match at No. 2 doubles was abandoned after the Braves had secured the point. Bradley was able to maintain its momentum in singles action, winning all six matches in straight sets.

Western Illinois looks to pick up its second victory of the season next Saturday, February 28, as they play host to IUPUI in Summit League action. First serve is set for 11 a.m. in Galesburg.

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Players Mentioned

Andriana Johnson: Sophomore

Nicole Jones: Sophomore

Jenna Wallace: Sophomore

Courtney Lubbers: Freshman

Arianna Demos: Freshman

Players Mentioned

Andriana Johnson
: Sophomore

Nicole Jones
: Sophomore

Jenna Wallace
: Sophomore

Courtney Lubbers
: Freshman

Arianna Demos
: Freshman