Emily Wang had a court to herself on Sunday.

The senior, who normally plays only doubles, was forced to play in the number six spot in singles due to freshman Megan Fudge’s injured left foot. Wang won 6-0, 6-0 to help the Illini defeat the University of Illinois-Chicago 7-0.

“I think I’ve only played like three singles this entire year, and I was just really excited because I’ve been wanting to play and it was fun,” Wang said.

Being the only senior on this year’s team, Wang knew the importance of the UIC match, since the Illini were coming off two tough losses to nationally ranked Notre Dame and Tennessee.

Currently 2-2, the Illini had an intense week of practice to prepare for UIC, and will maintain the same intensity level to prepare for both upcoming opponents: William and Mary and Georgia Tech. With freshmen Leigh Finnegan and Fudge both sidelined by foot injuries, the Illini plan to focus on perfecting their doubles partnerships.

“We are going to prepare a lot on doubles, because when you play two top-ranked teams it’s really important to get out there and try to start strong,” head coach Michelle Dasso said. “And if you can sneak away with that doubles point, it sets the tone for the rest of the match.”

With the juggling of doubles partners and the surprising injuries, Dasso credits Sunday’s win to the entire team.

“It’s always nice when everyone gets a ‘W’, but I was really proud of how the girls handled being moved up a spot or two each,” Dasso said.

All of the players won their singles matches in just two sets with Momei Qu playing in the number one spot to defeat Lubica Nadasska 6-3, 6-1.