URBANA-CHAMPAIGN, IL. — Western Illinois women's tennis players Jessica Hess and Mana Fawcett competed in the ITA tournament over the weekend at the University of Illinois, earning a doubles victory over DePaul before facing tough competition from Notre Dame and other Division I opponents in doubles and singles play.

In doubles action, Hess and Fawcett opened the tournament with an impressive 8-2 victory over DePaul's Roberta Sechi and Yasemin Pehlivan in the first round. The Leatherneck duo carried that momentum into the second round, where they faced Notre Dame's Sophia Holod and Anastasia Sysoeva. Hess and Fawcett battled throughout the match but ultimately fell 8-5 in a hard-fought contest.

In singles competition, Fawcett faced Marta Halbersztadt of the University of Illinois Chicago, falling 6-2, 6-3 in her opening match. Fawcett then moved into the consolation round, where she took on Mika Dagan Fruchtman of Northwestern University. Fawcett pushed her opponent in a competitive match but came up short, falling 6-4, 7-6.

Despite the challenging competition, Hess and Fawcett gained valuable experience against strong opponents from across the region. Their performance included a decisive opening-round doubles victory and two competitive matches that highlighted their determination throughout the weekend.

Western Illinois will look to build on the experience gained at the ITA tournament as the Leathernecks continue their fall tennis season.

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