Western Swept by Fighting Hawks

Leathernecks host home opener Wednesday (March 19) at 2 p.m.

Box Score

TULSA, Okla. –The Western Illinois women's tennis team (3-7, 0-2) was swept 7-0 by the newest member of the Summit League, North Dakota (9-7, 2-0) on Sunday (March 17) afternoon.

The Fighting Hawks took first doubles match as Mia Melnizki, and Anouk Maajong lost 6-1 at the No. 1 spot and clinched the doubles after a default win in No. 3, despite Megan Tagaloa and Mary Bjelica up 5-0 in the No. 2 spot.

"It was bad timing for us for two of our girls to come down with the flu. Therefore we had to default two singles and a doubles match," said head coach Mirko Bjelica "Nevertheless, Anouk (Maajong) and Megan (Tagaloa) were just a few points away from winning their singles matches, and Megan (Tagaloa) and Mary (Bjelica) were up 5-0 when the doubles were called off. It was a tough trip, but we will regroup and press on."

Western was then swept in singles play. Melnizki 6-4, 6-1 at No. 1 and Mary Bjelica was topped 6-2, 6-3 at No. 2. At the No. 3 spot, Maajong took it to three sets but lost 11-9 in the tiebreaker set. Tagaloa (No. 4) also fell in the final set, 10-3 and Camryn Rossa lead 1-0 but then was forced had to retire in the No. 5 spot. The Fighting Hawks secured the last point of the match after a default win in the No. 6 flight.

With the victory, North Dakota is now 2-0 in its inaugural season in The Summit League.

The Leathernecks turn around quickly and host UMSL for the home opener on Wednesday (March 19) with the first serve at 2 p.m.

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Players Mentioned

Mary Bjelica: Sophomore; Homeschooled

Anouk Maajong: Freshman

Mia Melnizki: Freshman

Camryn Rossa: Freshman

Megan Tagaloa: Freshman

Players Mentioned

Mary Bjelica
: Sophomore; Homeschooled

Anouk Maajong
: Freshman

Mia Melnizki
: Freshman

Camryn Rossa
: Freshman

Megan Tagaloa
: Freshman