West Central Reporter

The Western Illinois University (WIU) Tennis team faced a challenging match against Bradley University, resulting in a narrow 3-4 defeat. The contest, held in Macomb, Illinois, saw the Leathernecks put forth significant effort but ultimately fall short.

During doubles play, WIU's team experienced mixed results. The pair of Nour Gueblaoui and Chloé Routier encountered difficulties at the No. 1 spot, losing 2-6. Lara Souza and Richardlyn Francois also struggled, ending with a 1-6 loss. However, Paige Grice and Mana Fawcett secured a win by forfeit.

In singles matches, freshman Chloé Routier had to withdraw due to injury. This adjustment moved Souza to No. 1 singles where she lost 0-6, 2-6 against a formidable opponent. At No. 2 singles, Grice fought hard but was defeated with scores of 4-6, 4-6.

Richardlyne Francois played an intense match at No. 3 but was edged out with set scores of 6-4, 3-6, and finally falling in the third set tie-breaker.

Despite these setbacks, there were positive outcomes for WIU in other singles matches. Fawcett excelled at No. 4 with straight-set victories of 6-2 and 6-0. Gueblaoui claimed victory at No. 5 after three sets: losing the first set at 4-6 before rallying back to win the next two sets at scores of 6-4 and an extended final set tie-breaker of 10-7. Anna Trush was granted a win by forfeit at No. 6 position.

Looking ahead to their next challenge on February 7th against the University of Northern Iowa University, the Leathernecks aim to rebound from this close encounter.

For ongoing updates about Leatherneck Women's Tennis visit GoLeathernecks.com or follow them on social media platforms including X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook.