MACOMB, Ill. – The Milwaukee women's tennis fell against Western Illinois after an injury in doubles play caused the squad to play shorthanded the rest of the day, dropping the 5-2 decision from WIU Tennis Facility.
The Panthers (4-7) were facing a tough situation when
Emilia Durska was injured during her doubles match. The Leathernecks (3-8) took advantage, securing the doubles point before closing it out in the proceeding five singles matches.
"Proud of the team, we fought hard with limited players," head coach
Mark Goldin said. "We need a week of rest and hopefully get back to healthy so we can return to a solid week of training."
Durska suffered a knee injury at No. 1 doubles, forcing a retirement in the match. WIU secured the win at No. 3 to earn the team point.
With much of the lineup having to step up a spot at the last minute, the Panthers did pick up some important points to try and get back into the match but came up short.
Nadiia Konieva took down Richardlyne Francois at No. 2 with a 6-1, 6-4 decision. The other Milwaukee point came at No. 5, where
Laure Razet defeated Jessica Hess 6-3, 6-2. The result snapped what was a 10-match win streak the Panthers had in the series dating back to 2001.
Up next, the Panthers return home for a pair of matches next weekend, welcoming Whitewater Friday (3 p.m. start) and Bradley Saturday (11 a.m. start).
Western Illinois 5, Milwaukee 2
Singles competition
1. Mana Fawcett (WIU) def.
Nel Van Hout (MKE) 7-6 (7-2), 6-2
2.
Nadiia Konieva (MKE) def. Richardlyne Francois (WIU) 6-1, 6-4
3. Chloe Routier (WIU) def.
Honoka Yamashita (MKE) 6-2, 6-3
4. Nour Gueblaoui (WIU) def.
Sara Simonova (MKE) 6-4, 7-5
5.
Laure Razet (MKE) def. Jessica Hess (WIU) 6-3, 6-2
6. Madeleine Whip (WIU) def. No player (MKE), by forfeit
Doubles competition
1. Jessica Hess/Mana Fawcett (WIU) def.
Emilia Durska/
Nel Van Hout (MKE) 1-0, retired
2. Chloe Routier/Nadezhda Petkova (WIU) vs.
Nadiia Konieva/
Sara Simonova (MKE) 1-5, unfinished
3. Madeleine Whip/Richardlyne Francois (WIU) def.
Elisa Rubio/
Laure Razet (MKE) 6-1