The Illinois State womens tennis team (15-7, 9-0 Valley) continued their winning ways Saturday, this time defeating Missouri Valley Conference rival Southern Illinois 5-2 (7-12, 4-2 Valley) today in Carbondale, Ill. The victory extended the Redbirds winning streak to nine, and kept them undefeated in Valley play.
Liina Suuravik and Alesia Mikalayeva started the afternoon off on the right foot for the Birds by defeating Alejandra and Maria Blanco in the No. 1 doubles spot, 8-2. The Birds could not gain the doubles point however, as Laura Gravino and Alana Hoffman defaulted in the No. 2 spot, and Ashley Maxwell and Shelby Lipson defaulted in the No. 3 doubles position.
The Birds got things going in the singles competition, however, as they won five out of the six matches to clinch the victory. Suurviak claimed the No. 1 position over Alejandra Blanco 6-1, 6-1. In the No. 2 spot, Mikaklayeva was victorious over Maria Blanco 6-2, 6-1. Playing in the No. 3 position, Gravino defeated Jessica Knitter in straight sets 6-0, 6-1. Elizabeth Bingier took the No. 4 position over Zuzana Palovic, 6-1, 6-0 to ensure the win for the Birds. Emilie Sechaud defeated Zoya Honarmand in the No. 5 spot 6-2, 6-2. Tana Trapini won the only singles match for the Salukis over Lipson, 6-2, 6-2.
The Redbirds next travel to the Missouri Valley Conference Championships April 25-28 in Springfield, Mo.
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