By Emma Hicken, Leatherneck Athletic Communications

MACOMB, Ill. – The Western Illinois University women's tennis team wraps up their regular season against the SIUE Cougars. This is the third season under coach Luke Ogren. Last year, the Leathernecks went 12-9 overall, and are currently 6-11, 3-1 conference. 

WHAT | SIUE

WHEN | 1:00 PM April 11, 2026

WHERE | SIUE Tennis Courts, Edwardsville, IL

PREVIOUSLY | The Leathernecks wrapped up their home season on a high note with a strong win over SEMO, setting the tone early by sweeping all three doubles matches to secure the opening point. Mana Fawcett and Jessica Hess led the way with a 6-3 victory at No. 1, followed by Nour Gueblaoui and Nadezhda Petkova clinching the point with a 6-3 win at No. 2, while Richardlyne Francois and Chloe Routier added a 6-4 win at No. 3. In singles play, Western Illinois continued to battle, highlighted by straight-set victories from Fawcett at No. 2 (6-3, 6-0) and Petkova at No. 6 (6-4, 6-0), along with a gritty three-set win from Gueblaoui at No. 4. 

SIUE vs WIU HISTORY | The matchup between the Western Illinois Leathernecks and the SIUE Cougars has mostly gone in favor of SIUE over the years. The Cougars picked up several wins, including three straight 7-0 sweeps in 2015, 2016, and 2021, along with wins in 2011 and 2024. WIU's two wins in the series came on the ends, first with a 4-1 victory in 2007 and most recently a tight 4-3 win at home in 2025. Even though SIUE has had the upper hand overall, the Leathernecks showed this past season they can keep it close and come out on top.

PLAYERS TO WATCH | Mana Fawcett has made her mark this season by earning Singles Player of the Week twice, and making Doubles Player of the Week with Jessica Hess four times this season. 

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