(LEBANON, Ill., Feb. 25)—The McKendree University women’s tennis team split two matches this weekend, losing to Saint Louis University on Friday, 0-7, and defeating Evangel University, 9-0, on Saturday.

 

On Friday, the tennis team couldn’t get into a rhythm against Saint Louis University, dropping all singles and double matches against the NCAA Division I school.

 

On Saturday, the Bearcats swept the Lady Crusaders, 9-0. Sophomore Maria Occhipinti (Bahia Blanca, Argentina) and junior Jenny Mennerick (O'Fallon, IL/O'Fallon) (O’Fallon, Ill./O’Fallon) won No. 1 and No. 2 singles, by scores of 6-1, 6-1 and 6-1, 6-2, respectively. Senior Sara Johnson (Effingham, Ill./Effingham) and junior Erin Thoman (O'Fallon, IL/O'Fallon) (O’Fallon, Ill./O’Fallon) picked up wins 6-2, 6-1 and 6-4, 6-1, respectively. Rounding out the singles competition for McKendree was senior Kelly Beiermann (Godfrey, Ill./Marquette Catholic) and junior Lauren Szakielo (Troy, IL/Triad) (Troy, Ill./Triad). In doubles competition, the Bearcats picked up wins by the team of Occhipinti and Mennerick in No. 1 doubles, Johnson and Thoman at No. 2 doubles, and Szakielo and Beiermann at No. 3 doubles.

 

McKendree will host its first match of the season on March 21^st.