Tennis Opens the 2017 Season on Saturday

Leathernecks play host to Creighton and St. Francis

MACOMB, Ill. - Under second-year head coach Mirko Bjelica, the Western Illinois women's tennis team is preparing to open the 2017 season. The campaign kicks off this Saturday (Jan. 21), as the Leathernecks host Creighton and St. Francis (lll.) in Galesburg beginning at 10 a.m.

The Fighting Leathernecks return four players from a year ago in seniors Jenna Wallace and Nicole Jones, and juniors Maria Bessmertnaya and Courtney Lubbers. Western also welcomes four newcomers to the team; junior Cary Milanes (Miami, Fla. / Miami Palmetto), and freshmen Natalia Bravo (Bogota, Colombia), Anna Daniel Fuentes (Tarragona, Spain) and Laura Ballesteros (Castellar Del Valles, Spain).

Lubbers was named to the preseason Summit League 'Players to Watch' list after recording a team-leading eight wins during the 2016 season. As a freshman in 2015, Lubbers earned first-team All Summit League honors after recording 12 regular season victories, tied for the most in the league.

Western looks to continue its success from the fall season, which was highlighted by championships in the No. 3, 4, 5 and 6 singles draw and a consolation championship in No. 2 singles play at the Whitewater Invitational. WIU also claimed two 7-0 victories over Knox College and Judson.

The Leathernecks posted six wins for the second straight season during 2016, the most since 2009-10. This season, WIU is slated to play at home 10 times. League plays begins on March 31st against IUPUI. The Jaguars also host The Summit League Championship on April 28-29 in Indianapolis.

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Players Mentioned

Maria Bessmertnaya: Junior; Akron

Nicole Jones: Senior

Courtney Lubbers: Junior

Jenna Wallace: Senior

Natalia Bravo: 5' 6"; Freshman; Colegio Bilingue Buckingham

Anna Daniel Fuentes: Freshman; La Salle Tarragona

Cary Milanes: Junior; Miami Palmetto

Players Mentioned

Maria Bessmertnaya
: Junior; Akron

Nicole Jones
: Senior

Courtney Lubbers
: Junior

Jenna Wallace
: Senior

Natalia Bravo
: 5' 6"; Freshman; Colegio Bilingue Buckingham

Anna Daniel Fuentes
: Freshman; La Salle Tarragona

Cary Milanes
: Junior; Miami Palmetto