Bottom Of Order Leads Leathernecks Over Cougars

Western wins; hosts home opener tomorrow at noon

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – The bottom of the order for the Western Illinois women's tennis team pulled the Leathernecks to a 5-2 victory Friday (March 2) over SIUE. WIU now moves to back to .500 at 5-5, while the Cougars fall to 0-8.

"It always feels good to beat a state rival. We struggled in doubles, but came back well in singles," said head coach Mirko Bjelica. "Everyone fought hard and I have to be pleased with the effort."

Despite being down early, the Leathernecks went on to sweep their three single matches. Senior Cary Milanes led the charge to tie it back up after sweeping Katherine Lahue 6-0, 6-1. A native of Miami, Milanes is now 3-3 in singles play. Both Ana (No. 6) and Mary (No. 5) Bjelica held their matchup scoreless to take 6-0 victories in both sets. Each now has five victories on the season in singles. Preseason Summit League Player to Watch Natalia Bravo (No. 1) won the match-clinching victory over Lara Tupper 6-4, 6-4. She now sits at 4-4 in singles play this season.

Laura Ballesteros and Courtney Lubbers each played out their match. Ballesteros (No. 3) took it to three sets, but dropped 6-4, 4-6, 1-6 to Raillane Kamdema. Lubbers (No. 2) dropped the first set 4-6, and then went on to win the next two sets 6-3 and 6-4. She now has a team-leading six victories and a 6-2 record.

The doubles point came all the way down to the final match. Ana Bjelica and Mary Bjelica swept Angel Ikeda and Anna Talley 6-0 in the No. 3 spot to start off doubles play. The duo now owns a 3-1 record. SIUE responded with a 6-2 victory from Ann-Christine Link and Tupper over Bravo and Lubbers in No. 1. The Cougars took the doubles point after Kamdema and Lahue edged Ballesteros and Milanes out 7-5 in the No. 2 spot.

"We have another tough match scheduled for tomorrow in Macomb and we look forward to our first outdoor home game of the season against Missouri State," said Bjelica.

The Leathernecks host their home opener tomorrow against Missouri State with the first serve at noon. Weather-permitting, the match will be held in Macomb. It will be played in Galesburg, Ill. in other situations.

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Players Mentioned

Laura Ballesteros: Sophomore; Castellar Del Valles

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

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

Courtney Lubbers
: Senior

Cary Milanes
: Senior; Miami Palmetto

Ana Bjelica
: Freshman; Homeschooled

Mary Bjelica
: Freshman; Homeschooled