Chambana Sun

The Illinois Fighting Illini were unable to secure a victory against the Wisconsin Badgers in Madison on Sunday, with the home team claiming a 4-2 win. The Illini concluded their weekend with an overall record of 1-1.

Ranked No. 32, Illinois now holds a season record of 13-7 and stands at 5-2 in league play following the loss to No. 30 Wisconsin. The Badgers improved their record to 16-2 for the season and remain undefeated in Big Ten play with a 7-0 mark. They have won their last 13 matches and maintain a perfect home record of 9-0.

The Fighting Illini secured the doubles point for the twelfth time this season, including five instances during Big Ten matchups. Kida Ferrari and Josie Frazier were first off the doubles courts, achieving a comeback victory of 6-4 at No. 2 after trailing by one game. McKenna Schaefbauer and Kasia Treiber clinched the opening point for Illinois with a win at No. 3 doubles, finishing with a score of 7-5.

Illinois claimed four out of six singles sets initially but couldn't hold onto the advantage as Wisconsin evened up the match when Megan Heuser lost to Maria Sholokhova at No. 1 singles. Ferrari managed to secure a three-set win at No. 5 singles but was followed by three consecutive victories from Wisconsin players in other singles matches, leading to their overall triumph.

Looking ahead, Illinois will host its final matches of the season next weekend against Indiana on Friday and Purdue on Sunday, which will also serve as Senior Day for Illinois.