Chambana Sun

Fighting Illini senior Megan Heuser played a crucial role in securing Illinois' 4-2 victory over Colorado at the Atkins Tennis Center on Sunday. This win brings Illinois to a 2-2 record, with a 2-1 standing at home, while handing Colorado its first loss of the season, moving them to 4-1.

The doubles team from Illinois found their rhythm again, capturing their third doubles point of the season. Matches at No. 1 and No. 2 doubles concluded simultaneously, with the decisive win occurring at No. 2.

Megan Heuser and Kida Ferrari achieved a convincing victory on the top doubles court against Colorado's No. 21 ranked pair Nelson/Bubalo. The Illini duo took an early lead of 3-0 before closing out the match with a score of 6-2.

McKenna Schaefbauer and Kasia Treiber fought hard for their win at No. 2 doubles, starting strong with a 2-0 lead before overcoming ties at both 2-2 and 3-3 to secure a final score of 6-3.

In singles play, Schaefbauer was first to finish, delivering a straight-set victory at No. 1 with scores of 6-2, 6-0. Ariel Madatali followed suit with her own straight-set win at No. 5 singles by identical scores.

Colorado responded by winning matches at No. 3 and No. 4 singles, narrowing the overall match score to within one point.

At No. 2 singles, Heuser overcame an initial tiebreaker loss (9-7) in the first set to dominate sets two and three with scores of 6-1 and 6-3 respectively, clinching the overall victory for Illinois.

The final score stood as Illinois (2-2) defeating Colorado (4-1) by four matches to two.

Looking ahead, the Fighting Illini are set to host the ITA National Indoor Team Championships from February 7th through February 9th alongside Northwestern hosting from February 7th through February11th. Illinois is assured participation in at least three matches during this event and will co-host again with Northwestern in2026.