By Emma Hicken, Leatherneck Athletic Communications

MACOMB, Ill.- The Western Illinois women's tennis team battled in a closely contested matchup but ultimately fell 3-4 to Northern Iowa on Saturday afternoon at the Black Hawk Tennis Center in Waterloo, Iowa. 

The Leathernecks kicked off the day strong by taking the doubles point. Richardlyne Francois and Madeleine Whip got things started quickly with a 6-0 win at No. 3 doubles. Mana Fawcett and Jessica Hess won 6-4 at No. 1 doubles. Chloe Routier and Nadezhda Petkova completed the sweep with a 7-5 victory at No. 2. 

The UNI Panthers took 4 victories in singles to win the match. Richardlyne Francois dropped her match at No. 2 singles 1-6, 6-1, 1-6. Nour Gueblaoui fell at No. 3 singles, 3-6, 3-6. Madeline Whip fell short at No. 4 singles, 4-6, 6-4, 2-6. Denver Johnson was close to pulling off a big comeback, but fell 4-6 and 6-7 (6), in a tight second set tiebreak. 

At No. 1 singles, Chloe Routier took home the win 2-6, 6-2, 7-6 (5). Nadezhda Petkova also had a great performance, winning 6-1, 6-3. 

The Leathernecks will continue to push through and improve by kicking off conference season against the Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles on March 14. 

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