Women's Tennis Edged 4-3 At Bradley

The Leathernecks gained three singles victories.

RESULTS

PEORIA, Ill. – The Western Illinois women's tennis team lost a close match to in-state rival Bradley 4-3 on Saturday, Feb. 10.

"It was a very close match that came down to the split sets in doubles," said head coach Mirko Bjelica. "The girls, however, showed a lot of grit and potential on the court and we look forward to continuing our season with a renewed enthusiasm."

In doubles play, Courtney Lubbers and Natalia Bravo fell to the Bradley duo of Natalia Barbery and Sandra Maletin by a score of 6-4. Laura Ballesteros and Maria Bessmertnaya lost the No. 2 doubles match 6-3 by the hands of Malini Wijesinghe and Alexa Brandt.

Western did manage to win the No. 3 doubles match 6-4 behind the sister combination of Ana Bjelica and Mary Bjelica.

Down 1-0, the Leathernecks split in the singles matches. Maletin topped Natalia Bravo after Bravo took the first set 7-5 by winning the next two sets 6-4, 6-0.

After dropping the first set 6-4, Courtney Lubbers won Western's first singles match of the day by taking the next two sets (6-2, 6-2).

The Braves were victorious in the next two sets over Laura Ballesteros and Cary Milanes. The Leathernecks rallied to win the final two singles matches in straight sets. Ana Bjelica won handily over Victoria Gonzalez (6-3, 2-1) and Mary Bjelica coasted past Kinga Kovacs (6-4, 6-4) but Bradley secured the team win 4-3.

The Leathernecks travel north to Lockport, Ill. to face St. Francis non-league action on Friday, Feb. 16. First serve is set for 1 p.m.

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Players Mentioned

Laura Ballesteros: Sophomore; Castellar Del Valles

Maria Bessmertnaya: Senior; Akron

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

Courtney Lubbers: Senior

Cary Milanes: Senior; Miami Palmetto

Ana Bjelica: Freshman; Homeschooled

Mary Bjelica: Freshman; Homeschooled

Players Mentioned

Laura Ballesteros
: Sophomore; Castellar Del Valles

Maria Bessmertnaya
: Senior; Akron

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

Courtney Lubbers
: Senior

Cary Milanes
: Senior; Miami Palmetto

Ana Bjelica
: Freshman; Homeschooled

Mary Bjelica
: Freshman; Homeschooled