BOURBONNAIS, Ill. – Despite only having three returners this season, the Western Illinois women's tennis team continued a strong fall campaign at the Olivet Nazarene Invite.
DAY ONE:
The first day of the ONU invite featured singles play. Ana Bjelica only allowed one point in a 6-0, 6-1 win to open up the third consecutive weekend tournament. She then held on 6-0, 7-6 in her next match to advance to the championship round in Singles B. Her sister and fellow returner Mary Bjelica was outlasted 6-2, 1-6, 10-1 in her first test and then bounced back for a shutout (6-0, 6-0) in her next match.
Both Mia Melnizki and Anouk Maajong competed in the Singles A bracket. Melnizki won 6-2, 7-5 to advance to the next round, but then lost 6-0, 6-1. Maajong only played in one match and dropped 7-6, 6-0.
DAY TWO:
Ana Bjelica stayed perfect and won the Singles B championship in a dramatic three style. After falling in the first set 4-6, she rallied back and took the next two sets 6-0 and 10-6. Melnizki (6-2, 6-1) and Maajong (6-3, 6-2) rounded singles play at ONU with individual victories.
In doubles play, freshmen Melnizki and Maajong w on 6-1 in the first round of doubles play. The duo then dropped 6-3 in the next match. Mary and Ana Bjelica teamed up again and bounced back after they lost their first match 6-4, to win 7-5.
The Leathernecks then take a break in the action during the fall season and resume play at the ITC Central Regionals on Oct. 12-15. They conclude the year at the Missouri State Invitational (Oct. 26-28).
