Normal, Ill. – Toledo women's tennis defeated Illinois State 4-1 in the Redbird Invitational championship match on Sunday in Normal, Ill. Toledo earned three two-set sweeps, and the final day of competition was highlighted by senior Thalita Rodrigues being named tournament MVP after her match. With the win, the Midnight Blue and Gold have established a five-match winning streak. 
 
"The improvements that this team has made in a month are truly remarkable," said head coach Tracy Mauntler. "I'm proud of the work they have put in and it's definitely showing on the court. Today was another grind out there, but it's so nice to see the girls playing for each other." 
 
The day started with the Rockets taking the doubles point for the first time in four matches. Freshman Kiersten Carlson/Rodrigues defeated their opponents 6-1 on the No. 2 court while freshman duo Christina Fuller/Eileen Carney defeated their opponents 6-3 on the No. 3 court. 
 
In singles action, senior Kokoro Chishaki was the first Rocket to finish, sweeping Jana Kustkova in two sets (6-3, 6-1) at the No. 3 spot. Rodrigues swept Ivon Milhavleva (6-1, 7-6(5)) at the No. 6 position to put the Rockets up 3-1 over the Redbirds. 

Fuller then won her first set 6-3 over Natalia Bravo at the No. 4 spot and came back from a 4-1 deficit in the second set to win 6-4, clinching the championship for the Rockets. 

Up Next 
Toledo is set to venture to Boca Raton, Fla., kicking off its spring break adventure with matches against Florida Atlantic at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, Mar. 3 and Charlotte at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Mar. 5.  
 
Toledo vs. Illinois State 
Toledo 4, Illinois State 1
 
Doubles 
1. Dee Dee Leenabanchong/Kokoro Chishaki (UT) vs. Veronika Golanova/Jana Kustkova (ILLINOIS STATE) 4-3, unfinished
2. Kiersten Carlson/Thalita Rodrigues (UT), def. Tara Damnjanovic/Natalia Bravo (ILLINOIS STATE), 6-1
3. Christina Fuller/Eileen Carney (UT) def. Ivon Mihaleva/Laura Fitzgerald (ILLINOIS STATE), 6-3
 
Singles 
1. Veronika Golanova (ILLINOIS STATE) vs. Dee Dee Leenabanchong (UT), 6-1, 3-6, 4-3, unfinished
2. Tara Damnjanovic (ILLINOIS STATE) def. Eileen Carney (UT), 7-5, 6-3
3. Kokoro Chishaki (UT) def. Jana Kustkova (ILLINOIS STATE), 6-3, 6-1
4. Christina Fuller (UT) def. Natalia Bravo (ILLINOIS STATE), 6-3, 6-4
5. Kiersten Carlson (UT) vs. Laura Fitzgerald (ILLINOIS STATE), 6-7(4), 6-3, unfinished
6. Thalita Rodrigues (UT) def. Ivon Mihaleva (ILLINOIS STATE), 6-1, 7-6(5)