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Ballesteros Leads Leathernecks at Quincy Invitational

| By: WIU Athletic Communications

Western drops only one match over the weekend

QUINCY, Ill. – Being just one of three returners this season, Laura Ballesteros, paved the way at the Quincy Invite for the Western Illinois women's tennis teams as she won the No. 1 singles division and helped clinch both No. 1 and No. 2 doubles championships.
 
"It was a good tournament for us. Our girls played well and hard and won every division they participated in, except for one close loss in the finals of the second singles," said head coach Mirko Bjelica. "I do want to emphasize a terrific effort by Laura Ballesteros and Megan Tagaloa who won tree tournament flights combined."
 
After earning a first-round bye in the No. 1 singles, Ballesteros cruised to the final on a 6-2, 6-1 win over Maura Dunn of Truman State. The junior then only allowed one point and defeated Steffany Bermudez 6-1, 6-0 to win the flight. Ballesteros again kept her winning ways and teamed up with freshman Natalie Malone. The duo won the first round of No. 1 doubles 8-3 and followed with another 8-3 victory over host Quincy in the championship.
 
Tagaloa bounced back from her collegiate debut last weekend at SIUE and picked up her first singles win (6-4, 6-2) against Meg Chadick of St. Ambrose in the No. 2 spot. She advanced to the finals in a dramatic three-set victory (6-4, 1-6, 10-6) over Nicole Uzategul of McKendree. The freshman again battled in three sets and came up just short 7-10 in the final set to finish second.
 
In No. 3 singles, Camryn Rossa, had to withdraw due to an injury and was replaced by fellow newcomer Malone. She won the first match 6-1, 6-4, but due to illness had to withdraw prior to Saturday's match. Ballesteros replaced Rossa in No. 2 doubles and paired up with Tagaloa to conclude the invite. They topped host Quincy 8-1 in the first match to advance to the finals. The first time duo, then shutout (8-0) McKendree to win WIU's third championship of the Quincy Invite.
 
The Leathernecks now turn their sights to the Bradley Invitational next weekend starting on Friday, Sept. 21.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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