Women's Tennis Prepares For Three-Match Stretch

Leathernecks take on St. Francis, Illinois State, and St. Ambrose

MACOMB, Ill – The Western Illinois women's tennis teams prepares for a three-match stretch starting this Friday against St. Francis (Feb. 16), Saturday (Feb. 17) at Illinois State and finishing on Sunday (Feb. 18) traveling to St. Ambrose. First serve is set for 1 p.m. this Friday.

LAST TIME OUT: In doubles play, Courtney Lubbers and Natalia Bravo fellby a score of 6-4. Laura Ballesteros and Maria Bessmertnaya lost the No. 2 doubles match 6-3. 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 6-3, and 6-1. Mary Bjelica coasted to 6-4, 6-4 victory, but Bradley secured the team win 4-3.

SCOUTING THE FIGHTING BEES: St. Ambrose hosts its season opener on Friday. The Fighting Bees are coming off a 0-4 record in the fall. They are under the direction of head coach Rich Blomgren who is in his 12th year.

SCOUTING THE REDBIRDS: Illinois State enters Saturday's contest with a 4-1 record overall and three straight wins over Chicago State (7-0), Iowa State (4-1), and Northern Illinois (5-2). The Redbirds are lead by freshman Laura Fitzgerald with four victories in No. 6 singles and has contributed to three double wins. Veronika Golanova and Jelena Karla Vujicic have put together a team leading four double victories in the No. 2 singles.

SCOUTING THE FIGHTING SAINTS: St. Francis holds a record of 1-2 with most recently defeating Lindenwood University-Belleville 5-4. The Fighting Saints are lead by Eva Lopez who has won all three of her singles matches in the No. 2 spot and been part of doubles victory in the No. 1 spot.

ADDING TO THE HARDWARE: Bravo was named to the preseason Summit League 'Players to Watch' list after posting a 13-10 record in No. 2 singles. The Colombian native was also named Summit League Newcomer of the Year, League Academic Honor Roll and received All-League honors. Recently, Bravo finished the fall season on a strong note by winning two matches at the ITA Central Regionals. She wrapped up the fall slate by putting together a 4-3 record in the No. 1 singles spot, contributing to four wins in No. 1 double plays as well.

COACHING SUCCESS: Third-year head coach Mirko Bjelica looks to keep the trend of improving each season. Last year, he coached the Leathernecks to a 9-14 record overall and 3-3 mark in Summit League play. That was their best league record since the 2009-2010 season after finishing 6-13 overall record and 0-6 in League play the year before.

LOOKING AHEAD: The Leathernecks continue their non-league action against Drake next Friday, Feb. 23 with firs serve set at 5 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