Another conference win in the books for the Bradley women’s tennis has put the team in position for their first winning record in over 20 years.
Sunday, the Braves (11-11, 2-3 MVC) closed out their 2016 home schedule by clinching its 11th win of the year and second MVC dual victory at the David Markin Tennis Courts against Missouri State.
With the win, the Braves have won at least 11 dual matches in consecutive seasons for the first time since 1991-92 (13-7) and 1992-93 (14-7). The team has also won two dual-MVC matches in consecutive years for the first time since 1992-93 (3-2) and 1993-94 (2-3).
Sunday’s win also leaves open the possibility for Bradley to complete its first winning season, both overall and in the MVC, since 1992-93.
The Braves seized points early in the day by earning wins in Nos. 1 and 3 doubles. The tandem of senior Irinka Toidze and freshman Malini Wijesinghe won the day’s first point with a 6-2 win at No. 3 doubles, while sophomore Alexa Brandt and junior Ashley Thai teamed up for a 6-3 win at No. 1 doubl, clinching the next point for Bradley.
“For doubles play, we supported and encourage each other, which made us want to keep pushing towards the win,” sophomore Alexa Brandt said. “Our great chemistry in doubles is a huge motivator to keep working hard every match we play.”
The Bears came back to pull even with victories at No. 2 and 3 singles. Bradley then reclaimed the lead 3-2 when sophomore Aimee Manfredo won her singles match 6-1, 6-2 win at No. 4 singles. Missouri State would not go down without a fight, however, as they tied the score 3-3 when Ema Turudija of Missouri State knocked off Bradley’s outstanding junior Ariel Dechter at No. 1 singles 6-4, 6-3.
It all came down to freshman Malini Wijesinghe at No. 5 singles.
She got off to a great start by cruising through the first set 6-2. However, she lost the second set to Missouri State’s Phoebe Boeschen 4-6.
In the final set, Wijesinghe was able to control the match, winning 6-3 and give the Braves the overall team victory over the Bears 4-3.
“Not only individually but as a team, staying focused and positive throughout the day allowed me and my team to come out on top against Missouri State,” Wijesinghe said.
Bradley will visit Drake Saturday and Northern Iowa Sunday to close out the regular season before participating in the 2016 MVC women’s tennis team championship from April 29 to May 1 at Wichita State.
