The Milwaukee Panthers women’s tennis team lost 5-2 to Western Illinois in Macomb, Illinois, after an injury forced the team to compete with fewer players for the remainder of the match. The setback occurred when Emilia Durska was injured during her doubles match, leading to a retirement and impacting the lineup for both doubles and singles play.
Western Illinois secured the doubles point by winning at No. 1 and No. 3 positions. The Panthers had to adjust their lineup due to Durska’s absence, which affected their performance in subsequent singles matches.
Head coach Mark Goldin commented on the team’s effort: “Proud of the team, we fought hard with limited players,” he said. “We need a week of rest and hopefully get back to healthy so we can return to a solid week of training.”
Despite these challenges, Milwaukee managed two victories in singles competition. Nadiia Konieva defeated Richardlyne Francois at No. 2 singles with a score of 6-1, 6-4. Laure Razet also won her match at No. 5 singles against Jessica Hess, finishing 6-3, 6-2.
The defeat ended a ten-match winning streak for Milwaukee over Western Illinois that dated back to 2001.
The Panthers are part of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s athletics program and compete in NCAA Division I as members of the Horizon League. The team participates in dual matches and tournaments while supporting student-athletes’ academic balance and contributing to the university’s athletic legacy (https://mkepanthers.com/sports/womens-tennis).
Milwaukee will return home next weekend for matches against Whitewater on Friday and Bradley on Saturday.
