April 29, 2000

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- The University of Illinois men's tennis team is one step closer to defending it Big Ten Tournament title with its 4-3 win over Michigan in the semifinals Saturday afternoon in Bloomington, Ind.

The Illini took a quick one-point lead into singles after sweeping the first two doubles matches. The duo of Jeff Laski and Jamal Parker downed Michigan's Zach Held and John Long, 8-4 at the No. 2 spot, while Mike Kost and Matt Snyder got an 8-4 win over Dan McCain and Brad McFarland at No. 3.

Laski was also a winner at No. 2 in singles in a hard-fought 3-6, 6-4, 6-7(7) win over Long. Graydon Oliver also took his No. 3 match to the tie-break with a victory over Henry Beam 6-3, 6-7(8), 7-6(8). The Illini got its third singles win from Matt Syder at No. 6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2.

"I think that Michigan played very well," head coach Craig Tiley said. "We had opportunities to close the match out and couldn't. They fought hard. We are very lucky to pull the match out today. Michigan played a great match and our guys fought hard."

The Illini will battle Minnesota for the championship tomorrow at 11 a.m. CT. Minnesota defeated Inidana earlier today.