LAST TIME OUT: Last weekend, the Leathernecks took a trip up to Des Moines, Iowa and faced off against Colorado State and host Drake. WIU dropped both matches, 5-2 to Drake and 4-1 to Colorado State.

Against Drake, the Bulldogs got ahead to start off the event match with a win (6-0) in No. 1 doubles over Natalia Bravo and Courtney Lubbers. Drake 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. However, Drake answered back and won the next four single matches. Ana Bjelcia secured the second point for WIU after she defeated Alex Kozlowski 6-0, 6-3. 

Western finished the two game road trip against Colorado State. The Leathernecks had to battle uphill after the Rams secured victories in the No. 1 and No. 2 doubles to take a 1-0 lead. Milanes and Bessmertnaya made it close but fell 6-3 against Emily Kolbow and Emily Luetschwager in the No. 2 spot. 

Colorado State stayed hot and took the next two singles matches. The Leathernecks bounced back and picked up a point when Bjelica defeated Riley Reeves 6-4, 6-3. However, the Rams' Emma Corwin won in the No. 5 singles for the match-clinching victory. 

SCOUTING THE BEARS: Missouri State travels to Macomb with a 3-3 record overall and 1-2 on the road. The Bears have a win over Summit League opponent Omaha 4-3. Most recently, they are coming off a 6-1 loss to Central Arkansas on the road. They are lead by Phoebe Boeschen (No. 3 singles) and Alexia Meyer (No. 4 singles) who both own 4-2 record. This season they Bears have had success in doubles play coming from Anelisse Torrico and Bosechen in the No. 2 with four victories. Right behind them is Ellie Burger and Alve Darter in the No. 1 sport with a 3 wins. 

SCOUTING THE COUGARS: SIU-Edwardsville will play host to Western with a 0-7 record this season. The Cougars will return home after a six-match road trip. Similar to Missouri State, they are coming off a loss to Central Arkansas on the road. 

FRESH PERFECTION: Freshman Mary Bjelica finished the two-match tilt last weekend 2-0 in singles play at the No. 6 spot. She started off the road trip with a swept against her Drake matchup 6-1, 6-1. Her second victory was over Riley Reeves 6-4, 6-3. She now sits at 4-0 in singles play and its tied with her sister Ana with four victories, only trailing Lubbers, who has team-leading five.

UP NEXT: Following the two-game matchup, the Leathernecks travel to Maryville and Illinois-Springfield next weekend to continue the non-league schedule.