Tennis Topped By Drake

WIU back in action tomorrow at noon

DES MOINES, Iowa – The Western Illinois women's tennis team was topped during the first match of the weekend trip to Drake Saturday (Feb. 23) 5-2. The Leathernecks dropped to 3-4 overall and the Bulldogs move to 7-1 overall and 6-0 at home.

"Except for the doubles, it was a very competitive match, said head coach Mirko Bjelica. "Obviously we won convincingly at the bottom of the lineup and struggled at the top, but everyone showed a lot of grit and generally as the match kept going our top girls kept on getting better."

Drake got ahead to start off the evening match with a win (6-0) in No. 1 doubles over Natalia Bravo and Courtney Lubbers. The Bulldogs would go and win the doubles point after Cary Milanes and Maria Bessmertnaya dropped in the No. 2 doubles 6-1.

The Leathernecks tied up the Bulldogs right away after freshman Mary Bjelica swept Mela Jaglarz 6-1, 6-1. She now owns a 3-0 record in singles this season so far. However, Drake answered back and won the next four single matches. Ana Bjelica secured the second second point for WIU after she defeated Alex Kozlowski 6-0, 6-3. She now has four victories this season, only trailing Lubbers, who has a team-leading five.

Western Illinois faces Colorado State at noon on Saturday (Feb. 24).

"We are now preparing for another tough opponent tomorrow and look forward to that challenge as well," said Bjelica.

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Players Mentioned

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

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