CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Illinois women's tennis team returns to Atkins Tennis Center for its 2022 season home opening-weekend, hosting three matches this weekend. The Illini opens the weekend on Thursday (Jan. 20) as they host Harvard at 5 p.m. CT, before taking on Eastern Illinois and Northern Illinois on Sunday (Jan. 23) at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. CT, respectively.
Atkins Tennis Center COVID-19 Protocols
With the recent surge in COVID-19 cases on the University of Illinois campus and throughout the Central Illinois region, the University will institute a proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative-test protocol for all university sponsored events open to the public with more than 200 people in attendance beginning January 1, 2022. All guests ages 12 and older entering Atkins Tennis Center will be required to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination OR a negative COVID-19 PCR or rapid test taken within 72 hours of the event to enter the facility.
The state of Illinois and University of Illinois remains under a mask mandate. Face coverings must be worn by all fans over the age of 5 years.
Last Time Out
The Illini opened the 2022 season at the Bella the Ball Collegiate Invitational at the Darling Tennis Center in Las Vegas last weekend, going 1-1 in the two-day event with a 6-1 setback to No. 11 Baylor before bouncing back for a 5-2 win over BYU. The Cougars had previously defeated the Bears the day before in the round robin tournament.
The weekend was highlighted by a 2-0 performance from the junior duo of Josie Frazier and Ashley Year at No. 2 doubles.
Illini vs. the Field
The Illini won a 3-1 record in the all-time series with Harvard and own a two-match win streak with the Illini taking a 5-2 win in the last meeting on Feb. 28, 2010 in Atkins Tennis Center.
Illinois leads the series with both of Sunday's opponents, with UI owning a 12-4 mark against EIU and are 13-0 against NIU. The Illini posted a 4-0 victory the last meeting with the Panthers during the 2020 season, with the win marking head coach Evan Clark's 100th career win. The Illini last played the Huskies during the 1993-94 season, taking a 9-0 win.
Illini Notes
- Head coach Evan Clark is in his sixth year as the head of Illinois women's tennis and owns an overall record of 82-59 (.582) and is 42-22 (.673) in the Big Ten Conference.
- The Illini are coming off a 9-9 Big Ten Conference-only season in 2021.
- The Illini return five players from last season, including senior Shivani Ingle, juniors Emily Casati, Josie Frazier and Ashley Yeah and sophomore Kate Duong.
- Illinois welcomes in three freshmen in 2022 with the addition of Kida Ferrari, Megan Heuser and Kasia Treiber.
- The freshman trio made their Illinois dual match debuts against No. 11 Baylor, with Heuser and Treiber playing both doubles and singles, while Ferrari earned her first career win with a 7-5, 7-6 (1) win over Ana Zamburek at No. 6 singles. Treiber and Heuser then earned their first singles win in Monday's victory over BYU, with Treiber sealing the win with a 7-5, 6-3 win over Emilee Astle at No. 5 singles.
Next Up
Illinois will next head to Tallahassee, Fla., for the ITA Kickoff Weekend, hosted by Florida State on Jan. 29-30. The Illini will play the host Seminoles on Jan. 29 at 11 a.m. CT, before taking on either Florida or Florida International on Jan. 30.
For more Fighting Illini women's tennis news, stay tuned to FightingIllini.com and follow @IlliniWTennis on social media: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook.
