OMAHA, Neb. – The Omaha women's tennis team claimed victory over Western Illinois, 5-2 Saturday afternoon from the Miracle Hill Tennis Center. The win improves the Mavericks' record to 8-8 (1-0 Summit League) and drops the Leathernecks to 8-6 (0-1 Summit League).
Omaha started out hot by winning two out of the three doubles matches to claim the first point of the match. The No. 2 duo of
Savanna Crowell and
Natalie Lorentz breezed by Laura Ballesteros and Cary Milanes, 6-1. Then the No. 1 pair of
Michelle Lo and
Janelle Wilson also defeated Natalia Bravo and Courtney Lubbers, 6-1.
The success followed the Mavericks into singles competition as they won four out of six matches to ultimately win the contest, 5-2. Playing at No. 4, Lorentz handled Milanes, 6-2, 7-6 (7-4). At No. 5, Crowell also defeated Ana Bjelica, 6-2, 7-6 (7-4). Next,
Marie Kapelevich claimed victory at No. 3 over Ballesteros, 7-6 (7-4), 6-3. Lastly, Wilson, slotted at No. 2 battled past Lubbers, 6-4, 0-6, 6-2.
"What a fantastic win by the team today," head coach
Adam Summitt said. "It was a great way to start conference play off with a dominating performance. It all started with doubles, where we quickly jumped out to big leads on all three courts. We kept the momentum going into singles. WIU battled back at moments, and we stood firm and did not waver. I'm proud of that from our team -- they did an excellent job closing out the matches."
The Mavericks return to action on Sunday, March 18, taking on another Summit League foe in Oral Roberts from the Miracle Hill Tennis Center at 10 a.m. The match marks Senior Day for Omaha's lone senior,
Michelle Lo, who will be honored with post-match festivities.
