The Virginia women's tennis team entered Sunday unsure of how it would perform in its first dual match, especially against a more experienced Illinois squad, which boasted six upperclassmen. The No. 26 Cavaliers, however, managed to defeat both No. 33 Illinois 4-3 and followed that victory with a 7-0 win against Richmond during an impressive display at the Boyd Tinsley Courts.
For five Cavaliers, it was their first dual meet. Virginia (2-0) started the day against Illinois (0-2), who last year finished only a few precious points shy from making the round of 16 in the NCAA tournament.
"I don't think there is a team with two sophomores and three freshmen who are experiencing their first dual match ... playing and achieving at [such a] level on its first day out like this team did," Virginia coach Mark Guilbeau said.
Embracing their inexperience, several freshmen stepped up to the challenge, finishing undefeated. The Cavaliers set the tone from the beginning, taking two of three doubles matches for the doubles point. This victory proved crucial to the Virginia win, as the Cavaliers then split the singles matches to achieve their hard-fought 4-3 win.
But the day hadn't ended yet for Virginia. The squad still had to face last year's A-10 conference champion,
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