INDIANAPOLIS – A tough challenge to close out the weekend, the IUPUI women's tennis team (0-9) were unable to get much going against SIU-Edwardsville (5-0) Sunday (Feb. 12), falling 7-0.  The defeat comes a day after the Jags lost a heart-breaker to Missouri State, falling 4-3 despite taking the doubles point.
 
Doubles partners Molly Nguyen and Marina Schneiger were able to pull out a win against SIU-Edwardsville, topping Ann-Christine Link and Lara Tupper 6-4.  Despite the victory, the Jags were unable to secure the doubles point, losing 6-3 and 6-4 at the No. 1 and 2 spots, respectively.
 
No player was able to get above five games in a single set, as the Jags failed to secure a point in singles play.
 
Against Missouri State Saturday (Feb. 11), the Jags got off to a strong start, as Sara Sherif and Samantha Mayer picked up a solid 6-4 win at the No. 1 double spot.  Valeriia Lavrenchuk and Mariella Pessina followed suit with their own 6-4 victory in the second spot, as the Jags walked away with a 1-0 lead in the dual-meet.
 
Lavrenchuk and Pessina carried their doubles success over into singles play, as both Jags picked up victories in the No. 2 and 4 spots, respectively.  Lavrenchuk had a grind-it-out win over Anelisse Torrico, taking the match 7-5, 7-6 (7-3).  Pessina cruised to a 6-1 victory in the first set before having to battle in a 7-5 second set win. 
 
The Jags will now look to Friday (Feb. 17) as the team will open up Summit League play against Omaha at 12 p.m. in the West Indy Racquet Club.
 
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