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Illinois State women’s tennis clinches share of MVC regular season title
Credit: Illinois State University Athletics/MGN

Illinois State women’s tennis clinches share of MVC regular season title

NORMAL, Ill. (BVM) — In 2019, the Illinois State women’s tennis program was dominant. The Redbirds went undefeated in Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) play, won the MVC tournament championship and earned an NCAA tournament bid.

While the pandemic may have taken away their 2020 season, the Redbirds have not missed a beat in their return to the court in 2021. Last Sunday, Illinois State faced Drake in a difficult match. However, the team would win its final three singles matches of the day, leading to a 5-2 win, and a share of the MVC regular season title once again.

After starting the year at just 2-4, the Redbirds have gotten hot. Currently at a 16-7 overall record, the team has won six in a row, again going undefeated in MVC play. 

While Illinois State has received contributions from many, two players were specifically recognized for their performances last week. Freshman Tijana Zlatanovic was named MVC Singles Player of the Week. It is the second consecutive week Zlatanovic has won the award, and fourth time overall this season.

Playing most often as the No. 1 singles player for the Redbirds, Zlatanovic has achieved a 17-5 overall record. The Austria native is 16-5 at the No. 1 spot, and has won seven of her last 10 matches.

Meanwhile, Zlatanovic, along with sophomore Tara Damnjanovic, were named as the MVC Doubles Team of the Week. The duo has won its last three matches in MVC play, and is 12-7 overall on the season. Over the weekend, Zlatanovic and Damnjanovic won matches against both Northern Iowa and Drake.

The Redbirds will conclude the regular season on Saturday at Valparaiso. From there, it will be off to MVC tournament play at Missouri State next weekend, where the Redbirds will aim for another title and NCAA tournament appearance.