IRVINE, Calif. --- UC Irvine continued its homestand Friday in Anteater Tennis Stadium dropping the doubles point and the match, 4-2, to Iilinois State.

Doubles started things off and came down to the decisive set at No. 3 doubles. The Redbirds (9-5) pulled through downing the duo of Dasee Carter and Emily Fowler for a 1-0 ISU lead.

Singles started off with a point to the Redbirds at No. 6. Carter quickly made it a one-point game winning at straight sets at No. 5. Illinois State got their point back in straight sets at No. 3, but Ysabel Gonzalez-Rico made it a 3-2 deficit with a three-set win.The Redbirds collected the clinching point at No. 2 singles with a three-set victory to claim the match, 4-2.

Next for the Anteaters is a doubleheader coming Saturday, March 19, hosting Idaho and Hope International in Anteater Tennis Stadium.

Anteater Thoughts vs. Illinois State
Ysabel Gonzalez-Rico - "It was great to be back after a few weeks! I had a lot of fun playing alongside my teammates. In doubles, Jenna and I stuck to our game and remained aggressive. In singles, I tried to stay in the game and fight for every ball. I am very happy with the way we competed out there and looking forward to the next matches. Go 'Eaters!"

Dasee Carter - "Our team competed well and had great energy on the courts today. I stuck to my game plan throughout both of my matches today, and it allowed me to pull out a singles win. I was very impressed by everyone's drive and eagerness to win, and I'm excited to continue to build off of that going into future competition!"