Chambana Sun

Illinois' women's tennis team is set to play its first conference road matches of the season against Iowa and Nebraska. The Fighting Illini will compete at the Hawkeye Tennis and Recreation Complex on Friday at 5 p.m. and face Nebraska at the Dillon Tennis Center in Lincoln on Sunday at 11 a.m.

Iowa began its 2024 conference schedule with two wins on the road against Indiana and Nebraska. After starting the season with a 1-5 record, Iowa has improved, winning six of its last seven matches, bringing their record to 7-6. They are currently 3-1 in home matches this season.

Nebraska started strong with a 9-1 record but has since lost three consecutive matches, leaving them at 9-4 for the season. Their Big Ten slate began with losses to Maryland and Iowa. Sunday's hosts hold an 8-4 record in Lincoln.

Last weekend, Illinois secured victories over Maryland (4-1) and Rutgers (4-2) during their initial Big Ten matches. Megan Heuser clinched the match against Maryland, while Kasia Treiber ensured victory over Rutgers.

The Illini have a historical edge over Iowa with a 34-27 all-time record and recently defeated them in last year's Big Ten Tournament. Against Nebraska, Illinois holds an even record of 7-7; both teams have won one match each in their last two encounters.

Illinois moved up to No. 24 in early rankings this season but now sits at No. 34 with a current record of 10-5. Kasia Treiber was named Big Ten Women's Tennis Player of the Week on February 21 after her performances against Brown and Marshall.

The doubles partnership of Megan Heuser and Alice Xu stands out with a ranking of No. 47 by ITA due to their successful start this season.

Head coach Evan Clark leads Illinois into his ninth year with an overall dual record of 124-80 (.608). The team finished last season with an impressive performance, marking their third NCAA Team Tournament appearance under Clark's leadership.

The Illini's roster includes returning players such as Josie Frazier, Kate Duong, Megan Heuser, Kasia Treiber, Kida Ferrari, Violeta Martinez, along with newcomers McKenna Schaefbauer from South Carolina and freshmen Rosie Seccia and Alice Xu.