With a second Punic war showdown looming with 25th-ranked Carthage Saturday, along with a number of other nationally ranked powerhouses on the weekend slate, 24th-ranked women’s tennis was hoping to use its Tuesday matchup at central region stronghold Wheaton as a tune-up for the trials ahead. Those plans took a slight detour thanks to some interference from Mother Nature.

Forced to reschedule their date with the Thunder until next Tuesday, the Maroons (6–5) will go into this weekend’s invite fully rested, and with another week of practice under their belts. The decision to postpone was reached mutually after head coach Marty Perry and his Wheaton counterpart, Jane Nelson, discussed the matter over the phone. Not wanting to risk a two-hour drive and missed classes to come home empty-handed, the coaches agreed to have a final decision made by 11 a.m., at which time the cancellation was announced.

With the postponement, the Maroons will return to action Friday and Saturday at the Midwest Invite in Madison. Beginning with the opening round rematch with the Red (8–1), who they beat 5–4 on March 3, the South Siders will be tested every step of the way. A likely second round date with third-ranked DePauw (10–1) looms should Chicago win its opener, and 13th-ranked Denison (8–3) or 12th-ranked Gustavus Adolphus (13–4) would provide a worthy challenge in the final.