EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.  -  SIUE tennis finished out their Spring 2021 nonconference slate on Friday afternoon, knocking off in-state foe McKendree University, 7-0.

"The team played very well today," said SIUE tennis sophomore Caitlyn Sporing following the match. "Everyone came out strong and we didn't drop a set today. Also, myself, I haven't played a lot of singles this year, and it was nice to come out with a straight set win."

After sweeping all three doubles sets to secure the opening point of the match, the CougarJordan Schifano remained unbeaten in singles play, improving to 9-0 on the season. Vanessa Reinicke notched her fourth win of the season, taking down her opponent on the No. 2 court, 6-2, 6-0. Nicole Gomez improved to 6-1 in singles play with a 6-2, 6-1 win on the No. 3 court. Melissa Vizcardo and Caitlyn Sporing each won on the No. 4 and 5 courts, while Maria Thibault won her first singles fixture of the season, 8-2.

"It was good to get a couple of team wins in a row now after Saint Louis and McKendree," said SIUE Head Coach Adam Albertsen. "Today we were able to get a good look at just about everybody on our team - moved around some places in singles and doubles and really was able to get a different look at our whole team and keep everybody sharp, so we're excited."

The Cougars, who improve to 7-3 on the season, will begin conference play next Saturday morning at Jacksonville State. 

"We open up with Jacksonville State, who is a strong team," said Albertsen. "I like the steps forward we're taking each week as a program."