MACOMB,Ill.- The Western Illinois University women's tennis team battled Saint Louis University at home, coming up just short in a 2-4 decision.

The Leathernecks opened the match by securing the doubles point with strong performances at No. 2 and No. 3. At No. 2 doubles, Chloe Routier and Nadezhda Petkova earned a 6-3 victory over SLU's Naima Luthra and Aryn Walker. 

At No. 3, Jessica Hess and Mana Fawcett added another 6-3 win over Madison Hill and Emmerson White to clinch the doubles point for WIU. The No. 1 doubles pairing of Madeleine Whip and Richardlyne Francois fought hard but fell in a tight 7-6 decision.

SLU responded in singles action, winning four matches to claim the team victory. Chloe Routier picked up a straight-set win at No. 3 singles, defeating Madison Hill 6-3, 6-2. Nour Gueblaoui delivered a gritty three-set performance at No. 4 singles, defeating Naima Luthra 6-4, 3-6, 6-2.

SLU secured the remaining singles points. Emmerson White defeated Richardlyne Francois 6-0, 6-2 at No. 1 singles, and Fiorella Duran topped Mana Fawcett 6-0, 6-2 at No. 2. Aryn Walker earned a 6-3, 6-4 win over Denver Johnson at No. 6. The No. 5 singles match between Jessica Hess and Nicolly Ferreira ended in a retirement.

WIU moves forward after a strong doubles showing and key singles victories from Routier and Gueblaoui as the Leathernecks continue their home stretch.

The Leathernecks will hit the road to face Omaha and Creighton on February 20 and 21. 

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.