By Emma Hicken, Leatherneck Athletic Communications
MACOMB, Ill. – The Western Illinois University women's tennis team is back on the road to face off against Northern Iowa. This is the third season under coach Luke Ogren. Last year, the Leathernecks went 12-9 overall, and are currently 3-9.
WHAT | Northern Iowa
WHEN | 1:00pm March 7, 2026
WHERE | Black Hawk Tennis Club, Waterloo, IA
PREVIOUSLY | Western Illinois wrapped up a two-match home stretch against Milwaukee and Northern Illinois, defeating the Panthers 5-2 before falling 6-1 to the Huskies. Against Milwaukee, the Leathernecks secured the doubles point with wins at No. 1 and No. 3 before adding singles victories from Mana Fawcett at No. 1, Chloe Routier at No. 3 and Nour Gueblaoui at No. 4, along with a forfeit win at No. 6. WIU also opened strong against Northern Illinois, claiming the doubles point with victories at No. 1 and No. 2, but the Huskies swept singles play despite several competitive three-set matches.
OVC PRESEASON | The Ohio Valley Conference released its 2026 women's tennis preseason predicted order of finish in January, with Western Illinois University selected fourth following a vote of the league's head coaches. The Leathernecks return a strong core led by 2025 All-OVC Singles selections Richardlyne Francois and Chloe Routier, while senior Nour Gueblaoui has been named one of the OVC's 2026 Players to Watch. The fourth-place prediction reflects the program's continued rise within the conference, bolstered by experienced returners and a roster poised to make an impact in both singles and doubles play as Western Illinois prepares to compete for a league title at the 2026 conference championships.
PLAYERS TO WATCH | Mana Fawcett has made her mark this season by earning Singles Player of the Week twice, and making Doubles Players of the Week with Jessica Hess three times this season.
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