Box Score TULSA, Okla. – In the Summit League Opener, the Western Illinois (3-6, 0-1) women's tennis team was edged 5-2 by Oral Roberts (2-11, 1-1) on March 15.
"It was a hard fought match where at one point we were leading on four out of six courts in singles," said head coach Mirko Bjelica. "Unfortunately we were not able to finish the job today. We will regroup and try to come back against North Dakota on Sunday."
The Golden Eagles jumped out to a 1-0 lead after winning the doubles point in the No. 1 and 2 spots.
In singles play, Mary Bejilca remained perfect in League play and defeated Jovana Antonijevic 6-3, 7-5 in No. 1 singles. Laura Ballesteros followed her fellow returner and topped Andrea Vasiljevic 6-3, 6-0 in the No. 5 spot.
Oral Roberts rallied back in the third sets to eventually win their first League match of the spring. Ana Bjelica (No. 1) forced a third set after a 6-2 set victory, but Ceijenia Cornelius outlasted the sophomore 7-5 to take the singles point. Freshman Megan Tagaloa also dropped a heartbreaker. She held Valentia Gisbert 6-1 in the first set, but then fell 6-0, 6-1 in the next two sets.
Western continues action this weekend on Sunday (March 17) against the newest member of the Summit League, North Dakota, with the first serve at 11 a.m.
Singles competition:
1. Ceijenia Cornelius (ORUW) def. Ana Bjelica (WIU) 6-4, 2-6, 7-5
3. Mary Bjelica (WIU) def. Jovana Antonijevic (ORUW) 6-3, 7-5
6. Valentina Gisbert (ORUW) def. Megan Tagaloa (WIU) 1-6, 6-0, 6-1
Doubles competition:
