Chambana Sun

The Illinois women's tennis team secured a significant victory against Arizona in the NCAA Tournament First Round at the Virginia Tennis Facility, advancing to the Second Round for the fifth time in the program's history. The 4-1 victory comes as a milestone for head coach Evan Clark, marking his second time achieving this feat with the team.

Illinois, ranked No. 38, improved their season record to 15-12, while Arizona, ranked No. 30, concluded their season with a 19-11 record. Under Coach Clark, Illinois has a record of 2-6 all-time against Arizona.

The doubles point went to Arizona initially, with victories at doubles positions No. 2 and 3. The competition at No. 1 doubles was left unfinished. Singles play saw the two teams initially split their sets, but Illinois clinched second sets convincingly. The Illini prevailed in all completed third sets.

Violeta Martinez initiated the comeback for Illinois by winning at singles No. 3 with a 6-4, 6-2 score, enhancing her season record to 12-8. Following her was McKenna Schaefbauer, who secured a 6-2, 2-6, 7-5 victory against the No. 80-ranked player, improving to 16-15 for the season. Schaefbauer's achievement included her fourth straight win.

Megan Heuser added to the tally with a victory over a ranked opponent at No. 2 singles, despite an initial setback, winning 3-6, 6-2, 6-1. Finally, Kida Ferrari cemented the team's win with a 7-5, 2-6, 6-1 triumph, marking her second match clinch this season.

The match concluded with the final score of Illinois 4, Arizona 1. Illinois will next face the winner between No. 7 Virginia and FDU in the Second Round, scheduled to take place on Saturday.