ND Women’s Tennis
Women’s tennis looks to continue strong start at Illini
Adam Akan | Friday, February 3, 2023
Notre Dame women’s tennis has been spectacular this season, posting an overall 5-1 record and a perfect 4-0 mark at home at Eck Tennis Pavilion. The Irish have an average margin of victory of 4.6, with 7-0 victories over Michigan State and Xavier, a 6-1 win vs. Butler and a 5-2 win vs. UIC.
This past weekend, the Irish traveled down to Athens, Georgia for Women’s ITA Kickoff Weekend in an invitational hosted by the University of Georgia. The third-seeded Irish took on No. 13 ranked USC, the two seed, in their first match last Friday. The Irish bested the Trojans in a tight battle, 4-3.
The Irish would then advance to the final against the host squad and No. 6 team in the nation, the Georgia Bulldogs. Despite strong performances in the doubles competition, the Irish would fail to register the same success in singles competition. The Bulldogs took a decisive four points from the Irish and won the tournament, denying Notre Dame the opportunity to advance to ITA Indoor Nationals.
The Irish will travel to Champaign, Illinois this Sunday for a match against the Fighting Illini. The Illini come into this game having also split their games at the ITA Kickoff Weekend, losing to NC State 4-0 but defeating Furman 4-0. Their overall record is 2-1, with an additional win at Kentucky.
The game for the Irish is the first in a long line of Big Ten games before conference play opens up Feb. 24 against Georgia Tech. After the Illini, the Irish will battle Northwestern, Penn State and Wisconsin at Eck Tennis Pavilion.
Head coach Alison Silverio and her high-flying Irish are sure to be tuned up and eager to rebound from their heartbreaking defeat in Athens. The game will be played at 11 a.m. this Sunday.
