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ATHENS, Ga. – Fighting Illini junior Aron Hiltzik is set to compete in the NCAA Individual Championships in Athens, Ga. on Wednesday morning. Fellow-junior Aleks Vukic has withdrawn from the NCAA Individual Championships, head coach Brad Dancer announced on Tuesday morning.
"I'm excited for Aron [Hiltzik] in this event," said head coach Brad Dancer. "It's a culmination of a ton of hard work he's put in and he's looking forward to the challenges this week."
Hiltzik has compiled a 19-6 overall singles record this season with a 12-5 record in dual matches. The Wilmette, Ill. native defeated five ITA-ranked opponents during the 2017 season. The No. 41-ranked singles player clinched two Top-20 wins for the Orange and Blue at the No. 2 position against Big Ten opponents.
Hiltzik will take on the No. 6 seed, Alfredo Perez from Florida in the NCAA Singles First Round. First serve is set for 8 a.m. CT at the Dan Magill Tennis Complex in Athens, Ga. 2017 will be Hiltzik's first appearance in the NCAA Individual Championships.
Vukic concluded the 2017 campaign after one of the best seasons by an Illini singles player. The Big Ten Athlete of the Year compiled an overall singles record of 24-3, including a 22-2 dual match record that included a 21-match singles winning streak. Vukic is the first player in program history to win 20 dual singles matches in a row. The 21-match winning streak is also good for second in the Illini record books.
"I know Aleks [Vukic] is frustrated not being able to represent the Illini in the individual championships," said Dancer. "He gave everything he had down the stretch of the dual match season. He put the team's success ahead of all else. Our medical staff was outstanding in keeping him on the playing field and I know Aleks appreciates all of their hard work. In consulting with the staff and looking ahead at a significant summer for Aleks, it was the best decision for him at this point."
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