Redbirds Set To Compete in MVC Home Opener Against Bradley

NORMAL, Ill. – After a week off, the Illinois State women's tennis team (8-7) continues its seven-match homestand by hosting its Missouri Valley Conference season opener Saturday (April 2) versus Bradley at 3 p.m., following a home match against South Dakota Friday (April 1) at 2 p.m. Both matches are scheduled to be played at the Gregory Street Tennis Courts in Normal, Illinois.

"We are excited to be back playing at home for our MVC opener," said head coach Maja Kovacek. "Playing outdoors this weekend, we need to come out with a lot of energy and be mentally ready for tough conditions."

Before the Redbirds host Bradley Saturday, they will first host South Dakota Friday afternoon for the first time in program history. Entering Friday's match, the Coyotes are 7-8 overall. South Dakota has not competed in a match since March 18 when they defeated Creighton, 5-2. 

Saturday's match against Bradley also marks the Braves' first MVC matchup of the season. Since the 1977-78 season, the Redbirds have faced the Braves 56 times. ISU leads the series 43-13. In its last time out, Bradley topped Sam Houston State, 4-3. The Braves are currently 9-8 overall and 4-7 on the road.  

Two weeks ago, ISU fell to Marquette, 6-1, on the road, and the following day, hosted Wright State at home and were defeated, 4-3. Although the Redbirds went 0-2 on the weekend, ISU fought back to force several third sets, resulting in numerous close matches. Junior Marcia Tere-Apisah earned her 10th singles victory of the season verses Wright State. Tere-Apisah also teamed up with Veronika Golanova to capture a No. 1 doubles win over Wright State. The victory helped put the Redbirds back in contention to win the doubles point after being down, 0-1. The duo is now 6-1 overall as a No. 1 doubles team.  

Throughout the month of April, ISU will host five out of its seven conference foes, beginning with Bradley Saturday. 

Both Friday and Saturday's matches will be played outdoors at the Gregory Street Tennis courts. Match play is scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday and 3 p.m. Saturday.

In the event of inclement weather, Friday's match against South Dakota will be moved to Evergreen Racquet Club in Bloomington, Illinois, and Saturday's match versus Bradley will be pushed back to 7 p.m. and moved indoors to the Evergreen Racquet Club.

There will be free doughnuts for fans Friday and free pizza Saturday. Stayed tuned to the women's tennis team's Twitter account and GoRebirds.com for updates on potential location changes due to weather. For updates on ISU women's tennis throughout the weekend, follow them on Twitter: @RedbirdWTEN. 

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