SIU women’s tennis team reached the Missouri Valley Conference Championship, but fell just short of reaching its ultimate goal.

The Salukis lost 4-0 in the MVC finale match to Wichita State. 

Wichita State was represented in all but one MVC All-Conference team selection. The Shockers had all six singles spots and two of the three doubles pairs. 

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“This was going to be a battle today,” junior Meagan Monaghan said, “and we knew it.” 

Head coach Audra Anderson told the team the pressure was on Wichita State, because they had five seniors to zero Saluki seniors and the Shockers were the dominant team all season.

“[I told them] to work hard, give good energy, stay positive and just go for it,” Anderson said.

The Dawgs were unable to gain a point against the Shockers, with every match resulting in a Wichita State win or going unfinished. 

“We just got off to a rocky start in doubles,” Monaghan said. “That took the wind out of our sails a bit.”

Sophomore Athena Crysanthou and junior Polina Dozortseva were unable to snag a win against one of Wichita State’s doubles pairs. 

Juniors Ana Sofia Cordero and Xiwei Cai also lost their doubles match against Wichita State, giving the Shockers the doubles point. 

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In singles play, the Salukis struggled against the MVC All-Conference team, with every finished set going to the Shockers. 

“We tried to battle the best we could,” Monaghan said, “but we just fell a little short.” 

The only completed singles matches were Cordero, Monaghan and freshman Katie Fries, all of which went to Wichita State in two games. 

“We knew they were a great team and they were the favored team to win,” Anderson said. “We really had nothing to lose.”

Jacob Gaertner can be reached at [email protected] or at 618-536-3303.