Contact: Nicholas Osterloo, Assistant Sports Information Director, 630-637-5324

LISLE, Ill. (Oct. 2, 2024) - In their first home match of the 2024 fall season, the North Central College women's tennis team fell in a 4-3 battle to Wheaton College on Wednesday afternoon at the Benet Academy Tennis Courts.

Abigail Penados and Kensington Payne cruised to a 6-0 victory at the top doubles spot. The Thunder rallied to claim wins at No. 2 and No. 3 doubles to take a point into singles action.

Priya Harris claimed the first singles win with a 6-3, 6-3 victory at No. 3. Wheaton earned straight set wins at No. 5 and No. 6 before Payne fought to a 6-3, 6-7, 6-0 win in the No. 2 position. Down 3-2 with two matches left, the Cardinals needed wins at No. 1 and No. 4. Ella Malone of Wheaton defeated Kate Herlihy 6-2, 4-6, 6-2 to secure the Thunder victory. Penados battled to a 5-7, 6-4, 6-2 win at No. 1 doubles.

North Central continues conference play on Saturday, Oct. 12 as the Cardinals host Illinois Wesleyan University at 10 a.m. back at the Benet Academy Tennis Courts.

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