The Belmont University women’s tennis team lost 6-1 to Illinois State in a Missouri Valley Conference road match on April 3 in Bloomington, Illinois. The Bruins, now with a record of 2-14 overall and 1-2 in the conference, secured their only point at No. 1 singles and also won at No. 1 doubles.
This result highlights the challenges Belmont faces as it continues its conference schedule away from home. Despite some close matches, the team was unable to overcome Illinois State’s strong performance across most positions.
In singles play, Webster took the first set against Lana Caculovic but needed a third-set super tiebreaker after dropping the second set. Webster ultimately prevailed with a score of 10-8 in the deciding tiebreaker for Belmont’s sole singles victory. Popiol also pushed her opponent to three sets at No. 3 singles but fell short after winning her opening set.
Illinois State secured the doubles point by winning matches at both No. 2 and No. 3 doubles positions, including a decisive win by Emma Lindh and Vittoria Benedetti over Belmont’s junior and senior pairing at third doubles.
Looking ahead, Belmont will continue its road stretch on Saturday morning against Bradley at Parkside Fitness in Pekin, Illinois, with first serve scheduled for 11 a.m. The following weekend will see the Bruins return home to host matches against University of Illinois Chicago and Valparaiso.
