The Western Illinois University Leathernecks women’s tennis team concluded its season on Apr. 17 after a defeat by Lindenwood in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) Tournament held in St. Louis.
The match was significant as it marked the end of the team’s campaign at the NCAA Division I level, according to the official website. The Leathernecks managed to secure the doubles point, with Mana Fawcett and Jessica Hess winning at No. 1 doubles by a score of 7-5. Chloe Routier and Richardlyne Francois also contributed with a victory at No. 3 doubles, taking their set 7-6 and dominating the tiebreaker 7-0.
Despite these early successes, Western Illinois fell short during singles play. At No. 1 singles, Chloe Routier lost her match in three sets: 6-0, 1-6, and 2-6. Richardlyne Francois also played a close contest at No. 3 but was defeated after three sets: 2-6, 6-1, and 1-6. Jessica Hess went to three sets at No.5 before losing: 6-3, 1-6, and 2-6; while Nadezhda Petkova narrowly missed victory at No.6 after falling in three tightly contested sets: losing the first set tiebreaker then splitting sets before dropping the final one.
Matches involving Mana Fawcett (No.2) and Nour Gueblaoui (No.4) were left unfinished as Lindenwood clinched enough points for victory.
Western Illinois University Leathernecks Women’s Tennis is based in Macomb, Illinois according to the official website of the program (official website). The team competes as part of NCAA Division I athletics within membership of the Ohio Valley Conference (official website). The roster features student-athletes from diverse global backgrounds (official website), highlighting its international reach.
In past seasons such as in 2017, players from Western Illinois have earned recognition including The Summit League Women’s Tennis Player of the Week honor (official website).
For more information or updates on Western Illinois University Leathernecks Women’s Tennis throughout future seasons, fans are encouraged to visit GoLeathernecks.com or follow their social media accounts.
