University of Illinois
Iowa
Illini Take Down Iowa at Atkins
March 13, 2021 | Women's Tennis
RECAP
URBANA, Ill. - The Illinois Fighting Illini women's tennis team defeated Iowa on Saturday afternoon 4-3 in a down to the wire battle. This brings Illinois to 3-5 (3-5) on the year and puts Iowa at 6-5 (6-3).
The day's doubles matches were competitive throughout, with Iowa taking the edge with wins on courts one and three. Senior Asuka Kawai and sophomore Josie Frazier battled on the top court, eventually falling 7-5. Seniors Sasha Belaya and Emilee Duong were in a tight match on court two that ended unfinished with the score 5-5.
After trailing 1-0 headed to singles, the Illini made their move in the individual play. Frazier got it started early with a quick win on court six (6-0, 6-2) to even the score. Kawai fell on court one (6-2, 6-1) but the Illini gained the momentum back with wins from sophomore Ashley Yeah on court five (6-2, 7-5) and freshman Kate Duong on court two (6-4, 6-3) to push the score to 3-2 in the Illini's favor.
After Belaya fell on court four, E. Duong won a close and thrilling match on court three (6-2, 6-7 (5-7), 6-1) to clinch the win for the Orange and Blue, 4-3. E. Duong dominated the final set with all eyes on her court and propelled the squad to the victory.
Next Up
Illinois is back in action tomorrow at the Atkins Tennis Center at 11:00 a.m. hosting the Cornhuskers of Nebraska.
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