EVANSTON, Ill. (EMUEagles.com) - The Eastern Michigan University women's team bowed out of singles competition at the ITA Midwest Regional Championships, Friday, as injuries and tough Big Ten opponents stiffled Xu Chang's and Miriam Westerink's chances at advancing in the tournament.
Whitney Wilson, of Michigan State, upended Xu 6-3 and 6-2, while Westerink lost her match to Michigan's Taylor Fournier, 6-1and 6-2.
Xu and Westerink made it to the final qualifying match in their respective draws with impressive first-day outings. Xu, who had a bye in the first round of qualifiers, defeated her Indiana Purdue Fort Wayne opponent in straight sets, while Westerink won two matches, including a three-set victory over the tournament's No. 3 seed, Illinois-Chicago's Ilinca Critescu.
In doubles competition, Julia Breuss and Westerink drew a first round bye before losing 8-5 to an Iowa pair in the second round. Celine Donnet and Xu also lost their match, 8-3.
"I was a little disappointed with the singles today," said EMU Head Coach Ryan Ray. "We are capable of better results and we'll have to work to get better. We'll wait to see if Chang gets in the main draw, but if not we'll begin preparations for the January team season."
Xu is the first alternate on the "lucky loser" list, and will await to see if there is a withdrawal from the main draw for Saturday's singles play.