Illinois State Women’s Tennis Set for Challenging Weekend: Clash with Beacons and Flames Awaits
The Illinois State Redbirds women’s tennis team is gearing up for an exhilarating weekend as they embark on an important road trip that could shape the remainder of their season. With a solid record of 11-6 and 4-1 in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC), the Redbirds will first face off against the Valparaiso Beacons (3-13, 0-3 MVC) on Saturday, April 12 at 2:00 p.m. in Valparaiso. Shortly after, they’ll take on the UIC Flames (12-4, 4-1 MVC) in Chicago on Sunday, April 13 at 11:00 a.m.
Last Time Out
The most recent match for the Redbirds was a nail-biter that ended in a 4-3 victory against the Missouri State Bears (3-15, 2-2 MVC) at the Cooper Tennis Complex. This win keeps Illinois State firmly in the hunt within the MVC standings at 4-1.
Key Highlights
In doubles action, the Redbirds showcased their prowess by clinching the initial point with dominant performances at No. 2 and No. 3. Freshman Emma Lindh (Malmo, Sweden) and graduate student Elena Jankulovska (Skopje, Macedonia) steamrolled opponents Sandra Lukacova and Raluca Puscas, winning 6-3. In a similar fashion, the duo of Nicole Iosio (Cordenons, Italy) and Zoe Limparis (Hinsdale, Ill.) triumphed, sealing their match against MSU’s Lola Federski and Romy Pola with another 6-3 scoreline.
Transitioning into singles play, ISU’s athletes did not hold back, securing three crucial victories. Junior Lana Caculovic (Dugo Selo, Croatia) gracefully dispatched Billur Gonlusen in straight sets, scoring 6-2, 6-3. The red-hot Iosio also shone, overcoming her opponent Romy Pols with a score of 6-2, 6-3 at No. 5. Finally, freshman Sophie Marie Lowe (Wimbledon, Great Britain) delivered a flawless performance, blanking Lola Federski 6-0, 6-0.
Scouting the Beacons
Looking ahead, the Valparaiso Beacons will be hungry for a win after suffering a tough 5-2 loss to UNI on April 6. The Beacons managed two singles victories, with Moria Silva securing a hard-fought battle against Darta Dalecka, winning 6-1, 6-7 (5-7), 1-0 (10-3).
Historical Showdown
When it comes to competitive history, the Redbirds have dominated Valparaiso with a perfect 7-0 record in all-time meetings. Their most recent encounter was on March 29, 2024, when ISU eked out a 4-2 win at the Evergreen Racquet Club in Bloomington, Illinois. The teams first faced off on April 21, 2018, with Illinois State decisively winning 7-0 in Normal, Illinois.
Scouting the Flames
On the other hand, the UIC Flames enter this weekend with more momentum after recently blanking the Drake Bulldogs 7-0 on April 6. In doubles, the top pair of Edit Cosmo and Camille Belberka clinched victory against DU’s Tess Caldicott and Elizabete Klavinska, edging them out 7-5. In singles, Mayu Ushio continued the Flames’ dominance with a solid win over Jessica Popiol, finishing at 6-3, 6-4.
Historical Context
All-time, UIC holds a marginal lead over ISU, holding a 12-7 advantage. However, last season, the Redbirds triumphed in a thrilling match that ended 4-3 in Nashville, Tennessee. The inaugural match between these two rivals was conducted on March 14, 2003, where Illinois State surprised many with a 4-3 victory in Normal, Illinois.
What’s Next for the Redbirds
Looking beyond this weekend, the Redbirds will return to their home courts at the Evergreen Racquet Club to wrap up the regular season. They will host the Belmont Bruins (4-12, 3-1 MVC) on Friday, April 18 at 1:00 p.m. as they look to finish strong.
Stay Connected with the Redbirds
Don’t miss a moment of the action or any updates on Illinois State women’s tennis! For the latest information, visit GoRedbirds.com, and make sure to follow the team on X (RedbirdWTEN), Facebook (Illinois State Women’s Tennis Team), and Instagram (redbirdwtennis).
The Illinois State Redbirds, equipped with talent, determination, and an unyielding spirit, are ready to take on this weekend’s challenges head-on. Let’s go Birds!
