NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State women's tennis team is heading to Louisiana over spring break for a three-game road stint. The Redbirds will first stop at Southeastern Louisiana University on Wednesday, March 11, then Nicholls State on Thursday, March 12, and finally finishing at New Orleans on Saturday, March 14.
The Redbirds (5-7) head into the matches after a weekend series last week in Nebraska against the Cornhuskers and Wyoming. The 'Birds fell to Nebraska and Wyoming, 4-0, and are looking to snap a three-game losing streak this week in Louisiana.
About Southeastern Louisiana:
Southeastern Louisiana is currently 5-6 this season. Sophomore Putri Insani earned All-Conference Honorable mention honors last season for her work at the No. 1 singles spot, while sophomore Flory Bierma and junior Katya Cornejo also earned All-Conference Honorable Mention at the No. 3 doubles spot. The Lady Lions are led by head coach Jason Hayes, who has been at the helm of the program for 16 years. Hayes has posted and impressive 312-231 record during that time and has won eight Coach of the Year awards with the program.
About Nicholls State:
Nicholls State is 1-10 and is looking to snap a 9-match losing streak against the Redbirds. The Colonels are led by head coach Greg Harkins, who is in his fourth season with the team. From 2008-10, Harkins was an assistant coach for the College of Charleston, where both the men's and the women's teams posted an undefeated season in 2010 leading to a bid in the NCAA tournament for both teams. Both teams combined posted a 71-32 record while Harkins was an assistant.
About New Orleans:
New Orleans is going 6-3 this season and was undefeated at 6-0 at one point. They are looking to end a 3-match skid against the Redbirds. Sophomore Ank Vullings is boasting an undefeated record so far this season, taking home nine victories for the Privateers. The sophomore also earned Second Team All-Conference honors for her work with Trang Dao, a senior who graduated last season. The duo went 14-4 on the year.
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