CHICAGO, Ill. -- In a competitive Wednesday afternoon matchup at River Park Courts, the North Park University women's tennis team delivered several gritty performances and pushed Illinois Tech throughout a series of tight sets, ultimately falling 5-2 in their return to the North Side.

North Park opened the day with strong play in doubles. The Vikings' top pair of Alexandra Pugachova and Thea Gifvars showcased well, outlasting the Scarlet Hawks in a tense, back-and-forth No. 1 doubles match. With long rallies and momentum swings on both sides, the Vikings' duo prevailed 7-5 to secure a key early win.

The competitive spirit carried over into singles play, where Pugachova once again delivered one of the day's standout performances. In the No. 1 singles slot, she controlled the tempo from the outset, earning a decisive straight-sets victory (6-1, 6-2). 

At No. 3 singles, Jessica Dudas battled through one of the afternoon's closest and most dramatic matchups. After taking the first set 6-4, Dudas held off a late push from her opponent, closing out the second set 7-6 to secure North Park's second singles point.

What's Next?

North Park (1-3) plays at home in exactly a week, hosting the Milwaukee School of Engineering for a night match at 5:30 PM CT.