Contact: Rachel Balinao, Athletics Communication Graduate Assistant, rabalinao@noctrl.edu
 

WHEATON, Ill. (Oct. 1, 2025) - The North Central College women's tennis faced off against College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) opponent Wheaton College, defeating the Thunder in a 4-3 victory. 

The Cardinals set the tone early in doubles play against Wheaton, sweeping all three matches to claim the opening point. Liveta Ezerskis and Kate Herlihy struck first with a 6-1 victory, while Sophia Drozd and Eva Zaskowski followed with a 6-4 win over the Thunder. Kensington Payne and Abigail Penados then sealed the sweep with a 6-4 victory in the final doubles match.

In singles action, Wheaton got on the board with a win at No. 5, as Anais Gerard fell 6-2, 6-1. The Thunder added another point at No. 6 defeating Cardinal Eva Zaskowski 7-5, 6-0. At No. 2, Kensington Payne evened the match for the Cardinals with a 6-3, 6-3 victory. Abigail Penados followed at No. 1, earning another point for North Central with a 6-4, 6-3 win. To clinch the match, Kate Herlihy defeated Janet Kondo at No. 4 with a 0-6, 6-1, 6-4 victory. Wheaton secured its final point at No. 3, as Liveta Ezerskis fell 7-5, 5-7, 3-10. 

The Cardinals return home on Oct. 5, hosting Augustana College at the Benet Academy Tennis Courts in Lisle, with play beginning at 9:30 a.m.