Needing a spark to end its four-match losing streak, the Illinois women’s tennis team (9-8, 2-3 Big Ten) returned home this weekend to face Big Ten rival Wisconsin (3-13, 1-4) on Friday before taking on Minnesota (8-9, 2-3) and out-of-conference Chicago State (5-14) in a doubleheader Sunday.

Illinois lost the doubles point as the No. 21 tandem of sophomore Melissa Kopinski and senior Rachael White fell to the Badgers along with senior Breanne Smutko and freshman Audrey O’Conner; however, head coach Michelle Dasso encouraged a players-only meeting, which was held just before singles began and re-energized the Illini.

Kopinski defeated Hannah Berner 6-3, 6-3, and sophomore Misia Kedzierski continued her winning ways, defeating freshman Katie Hoch 6-4, 6-1. With additional wins by junior Allison Falkin, Smutko and O’Connor, the Illini fought back and won 5-2.

“Misia (Kedzierski) has been the most consistent performer and (has had) an attitude and positive demeanor all year,” Dasso said. “I think she had a great day.” 

The Illini hosted Minnesota on Sunday in their first outdoor home match, and got off to a fast start. They secured the doubles point quickly and jumped to a 4-0 lead through three consecutive singles wins by Falkin (6-3, 6-0), White (2-6, 6-3, 6-1) and Kopinski (6-0, 6-0). With Smutko putting the icing on the cake, the Illini defeated the Gophers 5-2.

“We didn’t let them take control of the match in any way,” Kopinski said. “With Rachel’s serve, she really sets the point up for me, and then I try to set up returns, and it just comes easier outdoors.”

Kopinski said she used a game plan in singles that involved a 90 percent use of forehand, which ultimately resulted led to her shutout victory.

Entering the second match of the day, Illinois took on Chicago State in an alternate format, playing one doubles match simultaneous to four singles matches. White and Kopinski shined again as they quickly took care of their opponent, followed by an Illinois sweep in singles and a 6-0 victory.

Needing a .500 record to qualify for the NCAA tournament, which is hosted at Atkins Tennis Center, the Illini secured three key victories over the weekend. Illinois hosts Michigan next weekend.

“Honestly, Michigan is a very good team,” Dasso said. “I think they are the best team, talent-wise, in the Big Ten … we’ve gotta go out there, come together, play with spirit (and) play to win … and kind of walk out there with a little swagger. We’re not scared of them.”

Joey can be reached at [email protected] and @joeygelman.