Chambana Sun

Illinois' women's tennis team faced a setback in their recent match against Wisconsin, losing 4-1. The defeat ended their three-match winning streak and left them with a record of 6-7 for the season and 1-1 in Big Ten play. Illinois has yet to secure a win against top-25 opponents this season, standing at 0-5.

Wisconsin, ranked No. 17, improved its record to 10-1 overall and maintained an unbeaten streak in the Big Ten with a 3-0 standing. The Badgers started strong by securing the doubles point with victories at the No. 1 and No. 2 positions. However, Illinois' McKenna Schaefbauer and Kasia Treiber claimed a victory at No. 3 doubles with a score of 6-2.

In singles play, Wisconsin extended their lead by winning matches at No. 1 and No. 2 singles in straight sets. Illinois' Ariel Madatali provided some resistance by securing a win at No. 4 singles with scores of 6-3, 6-0. Madatali's performance marked her fifth consecutive win, contributing to her dual play record of 6-2 this season.

The final decision came after Wisconsin's Maria Sholokhova defeated Schaefbauer at No. 1 singles, leading to a decisive victory for the Badgers as they clinched the match following their win at No. 6 singles.

Matches involving Violeta Martinez (No. 3) and Treiber (No. 5) were left unfinished as both were engaged in their third sets when the match concluded.

Looking ahead, Illinois is set to host Iowa on Friday and Nebraska on Sunday for their first home Big Ten matches of the season.