CHICAGO – The UIC women's tennis team opened up its 2017 season in winning fashion by defeating Toledo, 5-2, at XS Tennis on Saturday. This is the first time the Flames have begun their dual campaign with a win since 2011.
 
UIC secured the victory by coming away with five wins in singles after dropping the doubles point. Rachel Le Comber led the team by taking wins in both doubles and singles.
 
The Rockets took the first point of the day after claiming the top two doubles positions. Oana Manole and Miranda Rodriguez Diaz de Leon teamed up at No. 1 but fell, 6-3, to Sidnay Huck and Deedee Leenabanchong. Doubles was then decided when Mimi Kendall-Woseley and Claire Aleck took a 7-5 decision over Georgie Sanders and Melika LeBlanc at No. 2.
 
The Flames pairing of Le Comber and Stefana Vasic put up a strong effort at No. 3 and knocked off Megan Miller and Colleen O'Brien, 6-4.
 
In singles, UIC fought off Toledo and went to three sets in four of its matches before the win was decided. A pair of straight-set victories came for Sanders at No. 2 over O'Brien, 6-4, 6-3, and for Le Comber against Aleck, 6-1, 6-2, at No. 6.
 
Manole extended her match at No. 1 and eventually captured the 7-5, 3-6, 7-5 win over Huck. Bianca Zuzu used the assistance of the tiebreaker to defeat Kendall-Woseley, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (4), at No. 4. The final win went to Rodriguez Diaz de Leon at No. 5 as she outlasted Miller, 6-1, 3-6, 6-0.
 
LeBlanc additionally competed in singles but fell short in a 7-5, 0-6, 6-4 decision at No. 3 to Leenabanchong.
 
The Flames back on the court next Saturday (Jan. 28) when they heads to Milwaukee for a 10 a.m. CT matchup against Marquette at Helfaer Tennis Stadium.