Box Score

URBANA, Ill. – The Illinois Fighting Illini women's tennis team lost a close match to Michigan State Friday afternoon by a score of 4-3. The Illini navigated strong winds at Atkins Tennis Center in their first outdoor match of the year, but ultimately fell short. This match drops the squad to 6-8 (B1G 6-8) on the season.

The Spartans took the doubles point to begin the afternoon, grabbing wins on courts one and three. Seniors Sasha Belaya and Emilee Duong took care of business on court two (6-3), but the Illini could not get it going on the other courts.

Freshman Kate Duong wasted no time getting the Illini on the board, dominating her singles match on court three (6-1, 6-1). Sophomore Ashley Yeah followed along, winning a tiebreaker in the second set to give her the victory on court four (6-2, 7-6 (7-4)) and to give this Illini the lead. After the Spartans took the win on court one, sophomore Josie Frazier won her match on court six (6-4, 6-3) as Illinois held on to the 3-2 lead.

Michigan State then secured wins on courts two and five to clinch the victory.

Next Up

The Illini will hit the road and be back in action on Sunday against Purdue. Their match with the Boilermakers will begin at 2:00 p.m. CT.

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