McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University women's tennis team lost a close match to Augustana College, 4-3, in a College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin contest held Saturday in Rock Island, Illinois. With this result, the Titans move to 2-2 overall and 0-2 in conference play, while Augustana improves to 2-0 both overall and in the CCIW.

In doubles action, juniors Amber Ehrlich and Olivia Bell secured a win at the top spot with a 6-3 victory over Hannah Colbert and Colleen Larry. However, Augustana won the remaining two doubles matches to take the opening point.

During singles competition, Augustana took an early lead by winning at No. 2 singles. Freshman Elana Religioso brought Illinois Wesleyan onto the scoreboard with a straight-set win (6-1, 6-3) against Maddy Harned at No. 6 singles. Olivia Bell then tied the match at two apiece after defeating Colleen Larry (6-0, 6-4) at No. 4 singles. Freshman Adia Douglas put IWU ahead by beating Natasha Gauerke (6-4, 6-2) at No. 5 singles.

Augustana responded with a win at the top singles position as Hannah Colbert defeated Amber Ehrlich (6-3, 6-3). The deciding match came down to No. 3 singles where Anna-Maria Huebel overcame sophomore Katie Van Heuklon in three sets (2-6, 6-1, 5-0 retired), clinching victory for Augustana.

Illinois Wesleyan will continue its road stretch on Tuesday against Monmouth College with first serve scheduled for 4:15 p.m.

"IWU head coach said after the match that despite the loss there were several positives to build on as conference play continues."

Singles results:

1. Hannah Colbert (AUG) def. Amber Ehrlich (IWU) 6-3, 6-3

2. Maripaz Ramirez (AUG) def. Gabi Lipske (IWU) 6-0, 6-3

3. Anna-Maria Huebel (AUG) def. Katie Van Heuklon (IWU) 2-6, 6-1, 5–0 retired

4. Olivia Bell (IWU) def. Colleen Larry (AUG) 6–0, 6–4

5. Adia Douglas (IWU) def. Natasha Gauerke (AUG) 6–4, 6–2

6. Elana Religioso (IWU) def. Maddy Harned (AUG) 6–1, 6–3

Doubles results:

1. Olivia Bell/Amber Ehrlich (IWU) def. Hannah Colbert/Colleen Larry (AUG), 6–3

2. Anna-Maria Huebel/Maripaz Ramirez (AUG) def.Katie Van Heuklon/Gabi Lipske(IWU), 6–3

3.Natasha Gauerke/Maitreyi Shirikhande(AUG )def.Adia Douglas/Elana Religioso(IWU), 6–4

The Titans will look to improve their record as they face Monmouth College next week.