[3] Illinois Falls to [2] Ohio State in Big Ten Tournament Semifinals

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – After making their first semifinals appearance in four years, [3] Illinois’ Big Ten Women’s Tennis Tournament run came to a close on Saturday afternoon. The Illini fell to the [2] No. 10 Ohio State Buckeyes, 4-0, at Schwartz Tennis Center on the campus of Purdue University.

Illinois dropped to 18-9 overall, while Ohio State improved to 20-6 this season. 

After the Illini fell at No. 2 doubles, Illinois responded at No. 3, with Violeta Martinez and Kida Ferrari grinding out a 7-5 decision, their fourth win as a partnership this season. The Orange and Blue duo handed the Buckeyes’ pairing of Kolie Allen and Danielle Willson their fifth doubles loss of the campaign.

Battling until the end at No. 1, the Illini could not hang on, giving the Buckeyes a 7-6(1) victory and the doubles point.

Ohio State extended its lead to 2-0 after the Buckeyes’ No. 20 Irina Cantos Siemers defeated No. 91 Ashley Yeah in a 6-2, 6-0 decision at No. 1 singles.

The Buckeyes’ advantage grew after Ohio State’s Lucia Marzal took down Kasia Treiber in two sets, 6-3, 6-1.

Putting the match away at No. 6 singles, Danielle Willson claimed a 6-1, 6-4 win to send Ohio State into the championship match.

The Illini will now await their fate for a potential berth in the 2023 NCAA Division I women’s tennis championship. Team and individual selections will be announced on Monday and Tuesday, respectively.

Results

Doubles competition

1. No. 33 Irina Cantos Siemers/Sydni Ratliff (OSU) def.Megan Heuser/Emily Casati (ILL), 7-6(1) 

2. Isabelle Boulais/Shelly Bereznyak (OSU) def. Josie Frazier/Ashley Yeah (ILL), 6-3

3. Violeta Martinez/Kida Ferrari (ILL) def. Kolie Allen/Danielle Willson (OSU), 7-5

Singles competition

1. No. 20 Irina Cantos Siemers (OSU) def. No. 91 Ashley Yeah (ILL), 6-2, 6-0

2. Megan Heuser (ILL) vs. No. 34 Sydni Ratliff (OSU), 7-5, 2-0 unfinished

3. Josie Frazier (ILL) vs. Isabelle Boulais (OSU), 6-3, 2-3 unfinished

4. Lucia Marzal (OSU) def. Kasia Treiber (ILL), 6-3, 6-1 

5. Violeta Martinez (ILL) vs. No. 94 Shelly Bereznyak (OSU), 2-6, 1-2 unfinshed

6. Danielle Willson (OSU) def. Kida Ferrari (ILL), 6-1, 6-4

Order of finish

Doubles play: 2, 3, 1

Singles play: 1, 4, 6