NORMAL, Ill. – The UIC women's tennis team lost a tight match against Murray State Friday in the opening round of the 2023 Missouri Valley Conference Women's Tennis Championship, falling to the Racers 4-3. Although UIC dropped the doubles point, Agnes Gustafsson (No. 1 singles) and Natali Nikolopoulou (No. 2 singles) won their crucial matches to give the Flames chance to win. However, Murray State was able to take the final singles match of the afternoon to secure the one-point victory.

DOUBLES

• Murray State's Sarah Bureau and Annika Pschorr defeated Tamara Malazonia and Cora-Lynn von Dungern 6-1 at No. 2 doubles.
• Agnes Gustafsson and Ana Jover couldn't hold on at No. 1 doubles, falling 6-2 to Emma Honore and Natalie Slezakova.
• The Racers grabbed the doubles point, leaving the match between Natalia Nikolopoulou and Paula Rodriguez Gregoris at No. 3 doubles unfinished.

 
SINGLES                            

• Paula Rodriguez Gregoris won by default at No. 6 against Marit Kreugel.
• Natalia Nikolopoulou came in clutch for the Flames, winning at No. 2 singles 6-3, 6-2. The victory extended her match win streak to four in a row and gave UIC the 2-1 lead in the team score.
• Ana Jover lost at No. 4 (0-6, 4-6).
• Agnes Gustafsson put UIC ahead in the team score after a 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 victory at No. 1 singles. The win was the fifth in a row for the junior.
• Cora-Lynn von Dungern dropped a close contest at No. 5 (1-6, 7-6 (8-6), 2-6).
• Annika Pschorr of Murray State clinched the win for the Racers by beating Tamara Malazonia on court three. The match was close, ending with a 6-7 (8-6), 6-4, 3-6 score.

 
COACH'S COMMENT
"I have to give credit to Murray State for coming up with a game plan and the drive to win today, which we just couldn't match. It's disappointing to have our season come to an abrupt end because I feel we never gave ourselves the opportunity to show our full strength in the MVC," said head coach Shannon Tully. "I would like to recognize and thank Ana Jover as she has now completed her collegiate tennis career. She has made incredible contributions to UIC over her past three years, both on and off the court. Players like Ana don't come along often, and I have nothing but respect and gratitude for her. Natalia Nikolopoulou and Cora-Lynn von Dungern are our other two graduate players who have spent just one season at UIC. They have helped elevate the Flames through many close victories, and I wish them the best."
 
The Flames finished the 2022-23 season with an overall record of 12-10. The tennis program would like to thank its fans, family members and alumni for their support throughout the year.