EVANSVILLE, Ind.—The University of Southern Indiana women's tennis team defeated Division I Western Kentucky University, 5-4, Thursday afternoon at the USI Tennis Courts. USI raises its record to 12-4 overall, while WKU falls to 6-13 in 2004-05.

The Screaming Eagles started the match by taking two of the three double matches. Freshman Sara Wilhoite (Connersville, Indiana) and junior Ashley Rees (Vincennes, Indiana) at number one doubles and senior Kalie Ackerman and freshman Reilly Ackerman (Mt. Carmel, Illinois) at number three doubles posted a pair of 8-2 victories to give USI a 2-1 lead going into the singles play.

Wilhoite, Reilly Ackerman, and sophomore Audra Bartelt (Jasper, Indiana) clinched the match for USI with straight set singles victories at number one, three, and four, respectively. Rees nearly gave USI a 6-3 win, but lost in a tie breaker at number two singles.

USI takes to the road this weekend, traveling to New Albany, Indiana, to play Indiana University Southeast and Bellamarine University Saturday. The Eagles play IUS at 8 a.m. (CDT) and Bellarmine at 2 p.m. (CDT) Saturday. 

Ray Simmons, USI Sports Information