MARION, Ind. – The Indiana University Kokomo women's tennis team opened their 2021-22 season on Monday evening, making the short trip across State Road 35 to take on the Wildcats of Indiana Wesleyan University for two matches. 
 
The Cougars had their work cut out for them, taking on a Wildcat squad who reached the Fab Four of the 2021 NAIA Women's Tennis National Championships. 
 
IU Kokomo dropped both matches, 7-0 to the Wildcats. 
 
"I was so proud of my ladies, and how they played and held their heads high, even after defeat," said IU Kokomo head coach Kristine Miller. "
 
In the opening match of the night, the doubles duo of Gabbie Orlando and Reese Johnson took a game at No. 1 doubles before falling, 6-1. The Wildcats claimed the doubles point with a 6-0 win at the No. 2 line. The tandem of Larissa O'Rourke and Kelsey Rhoades won two games at No. 3 doubles, eventually falling, 6-2. 
 
O'Rourke won a pair of games at the No. 2 singles line while Andrea Saylor and Rhoades each claimed three games at No. 5 and 6 singles, respectively. 
 
In the nightcap, Orlando and Reese once again took a game at No. 1 doubles. Saylor and Reiley Hiser bounced back in the second match to claim a game at the No. 2 line and O'Rourke and Rhoades won two games at the No. 3 spot. 
 
In singles action, four of the six matches saw IU Kokomo take at least one game with Rhoades winning two games at the No. 6 line. 
 
The Cougars will return to action on Friday, September 3 as they travel to Spring Arbor, Michigan to take on Spring Arbor University. The match is scheduled for a 12 p.m. start. 
 
For the latest news, updates, and information on the IU Kokomo Cougars, fans can visit IUKCougars.com. Fans can also stay up to date on the latest Cougar news by following @IUKAthletics on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.