SPRINGFIELD – The Missouri State women's tennis team prepares to start its conference schedule, kicking off Missouri Valley Conference action against UNI and Drake this weekend.
With their last match happening in mid-March, the Bears look to earn a pair of wins in Iowa. League play begins on Saturday, April 6 at UNI before the Bears hop over to Des Moines to face Drake on Sunday, April 7. The matches commence at 1 p.m. and 11 a.m., respectively.
The Bears aim to rebound after a two-game skid that left them 7-7 on the season heading into the break. After a 4-0 start, Coach
Mallory Weber's squad has won three of their last 10 matches in nonconference action.
Newcomer
Clara Gandara Gonzalez leads the Bears, tallying an overall 13-5 record past the halfway point. She has been a key component for the Bears, helping to clinch victories against SIUE and Creighton.
Alye Darter and
Mara Presot hold the advantage on the doubles side, owning an 11-6 team record. The pair has gone 6-4 in their last 10 matches.
Missouri State met both teams in the MVC Women's Tennis Championship last season, downing Drake in the semifinals and UNI in the championship round to be named 2018 MVC Champs.
Both opponents have encountered their own struggles, with UNI holding even at 3-3 while Drake sits 6-10. The Panthers and Bulldogs meet today (April 5
th) at 2 p.m. to begin their respective MVC slate.
The Bears hosted the two teams in the fall at the MVC Women's Individual Tennis Championship, where
Fati Khamissi and Gandara Gonzalez each garnered individual titles. Drake's Kelsey Neville and Megan Webb won the No. 3 doubles plaudit.
For all of the latest information on the Missouri State women's tennis team, visit
MissouriStateBears.com or follow @MSUBearsTennis on
Twitter and
Instagram.
#MSUBears
