Brentwood, TN. - The Ohio Valley Conference released the preseason rankings for all 8 tennis teams, with Bryant being the new addition this year. Western Illinois picked up the final first-place vote for third, receiving 26 points and landing the third spot.
Richardlyne Francois named Singles player to watch
Francois began her WIU career with a pair of singles victories at the Cougar Open during the fall season. At the Ohio Valley Conference Individual Tournament, she claimed the singles No. 4 flight title. She opened with a dominant 6-1, 6-2 win in the first round, followed by a semifinal victory, 6-4, 6-3. In the championship match, Francois sealed the title with a convincing 6-4, 6-0 win, adding another accolade to her growing list of accomplishments at WIU. Demonstrating her versatility, Francois also earned a doubles victory to wrap up a standout fall season.
Chloe Routier and Nour Gueblaoui named doubles players to watch
Routier made an impressive debut at the Cougar Open, earning two solid singles victories. She continued her strong performance at the Ohio Valley Conference Individual Tournament, where she claimed WIU's third title of the tournament. Routier opened with a dominant 6-2, 6-1 win, then staged a thrilling comeback in the semifinals, rallying from a 2-6 deficit to win 6-3, 10-8. In the finals, the freshman sealed the title with a convincing 6-3, 6-3 victory, capping off a standout tournament run. Routier's performance earned her a qualification to compete in the International Tennis Association Conference Masters Championships to finish out her fall season.
Gueblaoui had an impressive junior year, contributing significantly to the Western Illinois University women's tennis team's success. Securing the win alongside Lara Rossetto Diniz de Souza as the No. 1 in doubles. To close out the fall season, Gueblaoui teamed up with Routier to secure their first doubles win as a pair showing a glimpse of what is to come.
Western Illinois opens the season on Saturday, January 25 at IU Indy.
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