MACOMB, Ill. – The Western Illinois tennis team capped off its final home match of the season with a dominant sweep, highlighted by senior Paige Grice, who earned her 31st win of the year to close out a stellar career with the Leathernecks.

In doubles play, WIU claimed all three matches to secure the opening point. At No. 1, Nour Gueblaoui and Richardlyne Francois cruised to a 6-4 victory. Grice paired with Mana Fawcett at No. 2, and the duo showcased strong chemistry in a convincing 6-1 win. At No. 3, Chloé Routier and Lara Souza battled through a tightly contested match, ultimately pulling out a thrilling 7-6 (11-9) win.

The Leathernecks carried that momentum into singles action. Francois showed resilience at No. 1 after dropping the second set 0-6 following a 6-4 first-set win. Down 1-4 in the third, she rallied to complete a gritty comeback to win the set 6-4. Routier was the first to finish at No. 2, dominating her opponent with back-to-back 6-0 sets. At No. 3, Grice continued her strong form with a commanding 6-3, 6-3 victory, securing her 17th singles win and pushing WIU to a 4-0 lead.

At No. 5, Souza delivered a gutsy performance, rebounding from a 5-7 opening-set loss to take the next two sets 7-6 and 11-9. Gueblaoui added another strong showing at No. 4, claiming her match 6-2, 7-5. To close things out, Fawcett wrapped up the sweep with a steady 6-3, 6-3 win at No. 6.

With the 7-0 win, the Leathernecks rode a wave of momentum into postseason play.

Western Illinois heads to St. Louis on Thursday, April 17, to compete in the OVC Tennis Championship Tournament.

FOLLOW THE LEATHERNECKS 

For all the latest information on Leatherneck Women's Tennis, please visit GoLeathernecks.com. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow the Leathernecks on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook.