DES MOINES, Iowa – Drake women's tennis got off their recent streak of defeats with a 4-3 victory over the visiting Valparaiso Beacons on Saturday afternoon.
 
The Bulldogs (4-12, 1-3) avoided falling into last place in the MVC standings with their win over Valpo. Drake opened the outing with a sweep of doubles play including a win via forfeit and two competitive triumphs by pairings of Tess Caldicott/Elizabete Klavinska and Jessica Popiol/Shiori Takeda.
 
Klavinska then earned a gutsy win in singles play with a 6-4, 7-6 result over Jolene Fernandes at No. 2. Freshman Shiori Takeda picked up her third straight singles victory at No. 3 in straight sets. Nicole Lee was then awarded a win via forfeit to reach Drake's final tally.
 
Tess Caldicott could not close her singles match as Valpo's Lillian Kelly scrapped out a 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 win to keep the Beacons in it. The visitors also earned wins at No. 1 and No. 4 but ultimately fell short to remain winless on the year.
 
Drake will be back in action tomorrow morning when UIC comes to town. The Bulldogs and Flames will begin play at 11 a.m. at the Roger Knapp Tennis Center.
 
Singles Competition vs. Valparaiso
1. Moira Elle (VAL) def. Jessica Popiol (DU) 6-0, 6-1
2. Elizabete Klavniska (DU) def. Jolene Fernandes (VAL) 6-4, 7-6
3. Shiori Takeda (DU) def. Brynn Steven (VAL) 6-2, 6-0
4. Lacey Tanner (VAL) def. Jana Ruzic (DU) 7-6, 6-4
5. Lillian Kelly (VAL) def. Tess Caldicott (DU) 6-4, 4-6, 7-5
6. Nicole Lee (DU) won via forfeit
 
Doubles Competition vs. Valparaiso
1. Tess Caldicott/Elizabete Klavinska (DU) def. Moira Elle/Jolene Fernandes (VAL) 6-4
2. Jessica Popiol/Shiori Takeda (DU) def. Brynn Steven/Lillian Kelly (VAL) 6-3
3. Nicole Lee/Jana Ruzic (DU) win via forfeit