Kalamazoo, Mich. - The Toledo women's tennis team fell 5-2 to Western Michigan on the road Sunday afternoon. The match featured two-set sweeps from seniors Claire Aleck and Thalita Rodrigues.
 
"It was another close doubles point, but Western Michigan played better down the stretch," said head coach Tracy Mauntler. "We battled again in singles and had some great performances, but it wasn't enough. I believe that this young team is getting great experience with pressure and it will pay off." 
 
The Rockets fought hard for the doubles point but were unable to close, despite freshman Elieen Carney and Aleck's 6-1 win over Denise Azcui/Gabriela Slavova on the No. 3 court. 
 
In singles action, Aleck put the Rockets on the board with a 6-4, 6-2 sweep over Valerie Riegraf on the No. 6 court. Shortly after, Rodrigues defeated Kristina Tiraspolsky 7-5, 6-3 on the No. 5 court. Carney was on the last court, engaged in a three-set battle with Denise Azcui after dropping the first set 3-6 and coming back in the second 6-2. Despite a gritty showdown, Carney fell 7-6 (7-4) in final set.
 
Up Next
The Rockets will host Buffalo for senior day on Friday, April 19 at 1:00 p.m. at the UT Varsity Courts. In the event of inclement weather, the match would be moved to Twos Athletic Club.  
 
Western Michigan 5, Toledo 2
 
Doubles
1. Katja Fevralev/Kristina Tiraspolsky (WMU) def. Dee Dee Leenabanchong/Kokoro Chishaki (UT) 6-4
2. Melina Lyubomirova/Femke Tjon-A-Joe (WMU) def. Thalita Rodrigues/Kiersten Carlson (UT) 7-5
3. Eileen Carney/Claire Aleck (UT) def. Denise Azcui/Gabriela Slavova (WMU) 6-1 
 
Singles
1. Melina Lyubomirova (WMU) def. Dee Dee Leenabanchong (UT) 6-2, 7-6 (7-2)
2. Denise Azcui (WMU) def. Eileen Carney (UT) 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (7-4)
3. Katja Fevralev (WMU) def. Kokoro Chishaki (UT) 6-1, 6-3
4. Femke Tjon-A-Joe (WMU) def. Christina Fuller (UT) 6-2, 7-6 (7-5)
5. Thalita Rodrigues (UT) def. Kristina Tiraspolsky (WMU) 7-5, 6-3
6. Claire Aleck (UT) def. Valerie Riegraf (WMU) 6-4, 6-2