Illinois State women’s tennis drops first spring match to Boilermakers
Written by Tyler Gall on January 20, 2026
NORMAL, Ill. – After jumping out to an early advantage in the spring meet opener, the Redbirds were unable to close out Purdue, falling 4-3 to the Boilermakers at the Schwartz Tennis Center.
The Redbirds secured the doubles point to open up the match. Sophomore Emma Lindh and freshman Vittoria Benedetti earned a victory over Ida Clement and Kayal Gownder after the Purdue duo retired, and ISU clinch doubles with a 6-3 victory at No. 1 from senior’s Lana Caculovic and Silvia Pomarolli.
Purdue answered right back in singles play, tying the score with a win at No. 6 before moving out in front 2-1 with a victory at No. 4. The Boilermakers extended their advantage to 3-1 with a win at No.1.
ISU responded with a pair of three-set victories to stay alive. Sophomore Nicole Iosio defeated Gownder 6-4, 2-6, 6-1 at No. 3, and Benedetti followed with a 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 win at No. 5 to pull the Redbirds even at 3-3. The Boilermakers ultimately sealed the match with a three-set win at No. 2.
The Redbirds return to the court Friday, Jan. 23, when they travel to Kalamazoo, Michigan to face Western Michigan. First serve is slated for 10:30 a.m.
For all things Redbird tennis, be sure to stay tuned to wznd.com
