May 25, 2000

Illini Audio
? J. Laski
? C. Franklin

The University of Illinois men's tennis team added another name to its list of All-Americans today as senior Jeff Laski became the second member of the current team to achieve that status. His 6-2, 6-4 victory this morning over UCLA's Jean-Noel Grinda advanced Laski into the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Division I Men's Singles Tournament in Athens, Ga.

"It feels awesome to be an All-American, and it's also a relief, said the smiling Lisle, Ill., native. "I had high expectations and I know I can do well in the rest of the tournament."

"It's one of the best wins of his career," said Head Coach Craig Tiley. It's phenomenal how far he's come--he wasn't even recruited by an Division I schools as a high school player."

Laski did not fare as well in doubles play this afternoon. He and sophomore partner Jamal Parker fell, 6-3, 3-6, 6-2, to Mississippi State's Marco Baron and Charles Sevigny.

Senior All-American Cary Franklin bowed out of the singles tournament at midday today, dropping a tough 7-5, 4-6, 6-7 (4) decision to Kentucky's Carlos Drada in the round of 32.

Franklin avenged the loss this afternoon when he and junior Graydon Oliver teamed up for a stunning 6-3, 6-7 (4), 6-1 victory over Clemson's Josh Goffi and Darrin Knight in a match that had to be completed indoors after a rain delay. Franklin and Oliver got off to a hot start in the duel, not losing a single point during the first four games of the first set.

"Doubles play started unbelievably," acknowledged Franklin. "We were playing perfect tennis."

If the Fighting Illini tandem wins tomorrow, Oliver and Franklin will be awarded with All-America status. It would be Oliver's first such honor, and the second for Franklin.

"It's an unbelievable opportunity to be in the position to gain All-America honors," said Oliver. "We are going to take full advantage of it."

Tomorrow (time TBA) the pair will take on a doubles duo from either LSU or Virginia Commonwealth, both of whom they beat during the NCAA team tournament last weekend. Laski will face No. 5 seed Alex Kim of Stanford in his Friday morning match.