Normal, Ill. (Sept. 30, 2024) The opening weekend of the UIC Women's Tennis fall season is all wrapped up, and the Flames had a promising opening weekend with success in both their singles and doubles draws.

The Flames enjoyed a successful championship round, showcasing their talent with four singles players and two doubles teams reaching the finals of their respective flights. Notably, Sophomore Nia Cooper (St. Louis, Mo./ Chicago State) came home with the championship in the no. 7 singles draw on her birthday weekend, winning (6-3,6-0) in the final. Senior Mayu Ushio (Yamaguchi, Japan/ Nodagakuen/ Miami Ohio) made an impressive run in the no. 1 singles draw defeating the reigning Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Year in the semifinals winning 7-6(5) and 6-3 before losing a hard-fought battle in her final round. Freshmen Marta Halbersztadt (Poland) and Junior Paula Rodriguez Gregoris (Canary Islands Spain, International School of Berne) made the final of their singles draws before both narrowly lost in a three-set tiebreaker.

The Flames faced the challenge of competing without Senior Camille Belberka (Saint-Denis-lès-Bourg, France/ St-Pierre/ Seward County Community College) this weekend. Still, the team stepped up in her absence. What resulted was the group of newcomers turning in successful weekends in their first taste of college competition.

Quote from Head Coach Lumpkin-Robinson
"This weekend provided valuable preparation leading up to the MVC Individual Championship next weekend. I really enjoyed seeing our team compete and I am excited for what's to come. Our performance the last few days highlighted the strength and depth of our group in singles and doubles."

Up Next

• The Flames have to quickly turn their eyes to the MVC Individual Championships, which will take place this week at the XS Tennis Village here in Chicago, Ill.
• The event will last from Oct. 4 to Oct. 6.
• It will be UIC's first time hosting the event.

 
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