West Central Reporter

The WIU tennis team secured a victory at home against the SIUE Cougars with a score of 4-3. The Cougars entered the match as the dominant team in the OVC, boasting a 12-3 record and holding the title of defending OVC tournament champions.

During doubles play, the Leathernecks faced challenges. The No. 1 pair, Nour Gueblaoui and Richardlyne Francois, lost 1-6, while Chloé Routier and Mana Fawcett fell 2-6 at No. 2. Paige Grice and Lara Souza showed promise but left their match unfinished with a score of 5-4, which awarded SIUE the initial point.

In singles, Francois battled at No. 1, playing through an injury, but lost with scores of 1-6, 6-1, 2-6. Routier displayed strength at No. 2, securing both sets 6-4. At No. 3, Grice was victorious with scores of 6-2 and 6-4. Gueblaoui also succeeded at No. 6, winning with scores of 7-6 (7-1), 6-3.

Souza's match at No. 4 was pivotal; she lost the first set 2-6 but rebounded to win the next two 6-2, 6-3, clinching the match for WIU. Fawcett, competing at No. 5, dropped the first set 4-6, won the second 6-2, but ultimately lost in the third set.

The WIU team is scheduled to travel to Charleston on April 5 to face the Eastern Illinois Panthers.

For more updates on Leatherneck Women's Tennis, visit GoLeathernecks.com and follow the Leathernecks on social media platforms.