NORMAL, Ill. – Drake women's tennis was back in action over the weekend at the Redbird Invitational hosted by MVC foe Illinois State. The Bulldogs competed in the flighted tournament with solid performances among both singles and doubles contests.

Sophomore Shiori Takeda and first-year Bulldog Jordane Dookie highlighted the opening day with a pair of wins in singles play. Takeda beat UNI's Andjela Raznatovic (6-3, 3-6, 6-4) while Dookie eliminated Valpo's Brynn Steven (6-4, 7-6).

Takeda and Dookie went on two win two more singles matches on day two over former Drake athlete Jessica Popiol of Belmont and Nia Cooper of UIC, respectively. The second day also saw Takeda team up with Maja Dodik and Dookie combine forces with Elizabete Klavinska for a couple doubles victories.

Klavinska also earned a singles win via forfeit.

The three-day event culminated on Sunday as Takeda and Dookie challenged for individual titles. Both Bulldogs fought in their matches but were eventually ousted by Varvara Alexeyeva of Murray State and Mia Jones of Belmont, respectively.

Klavinska and Dookie also captured another win via forfeit in doubles action on day three while Maja Dodik defeated UNI's Yangjiaxin Li for seventh place.

"This weekend was a big step forward across the board," Drake head coach Calvin Song said. "We had two players reach the finals and all competed hard throughout the weekend. It was a great opportunity to learn and grow from our first fall tournament, and we're already seeing improvements. We're looking forward to a couple weekends off to regroup and get ready for ITA Regionals."

Next up on the docket is the ITA Regional Championships from Oct. 16-19 before the Bulldogs close their fall slate with the Drake Invite from Oct. 31-Nov. 2.