Feb. 24, 2001

The 26th-ranked Illinois women's tennis team began the Big Ten season by beating Michigan, 5-2, in dual-match action Saturday at the University of Michigan Varsity Tennis Center. The Illini won four out of six singles matches and swept the Wolverines in doubles competition.

The Fighting Illini were led by freshman Jennifer McGaffigan, who defeated 60th-ranked Chrissie Nolan, 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 at No.1 At No. 3, freshman Tiffany Eklov continued her dual-match singles unbeaten streak with a straight-set victory over Jen Vaughn, 6-2, 6-3. Seniors Carla Rosenberg and Simone Kung contributed straight-set victories, 7-5, 6-3 and 6-0, 6-1, respectively. Kung and Rosenberg also teamed up at No.1 doubles and won, 8-3, over Kavitha Tipirneni and Jen Vaughn, to lead Illinois' sweep of doubles.

"I'm pleased with the effort today, considering it was our first road match and our first Big Ten match," said Head Coach Sujay Lama. "Michigan was competitive and played us tough. Our kids started off slow, but competed well when it counted. Hopefully we learned a few things from today's match and we'll be a little sharper tomorrow for Michigan State."

Illinois continues their first Big Ten road trip tomorrow, with a match at Michigan State. Start time for the match is 9 a.m. CST.

Today's Illinois Results

SINGLES
1.Jennifer McGaffigan (ILL) def. Chrissie Nolan (UM)                             6-4,5-7,6-2
2.Kavitha Tipirneni (UM) def. Eldina Fazlic (ILL)                                6-4,6-4
3.Tiffany Eklov (ILL) def. Jen Vaughn (UM)                                       6-2,6-3
4.Simone Kung (ILL) def. Szandra Fuzesi (UM)					 6-0,6-1
5.Carla Rosenberg (ILL) def. Kim Plaushines (UM)				 7-5,6-3
6.Joanne Musgrove (UM) def. Michelle Webb (ILL)					 6-4,3-6,6-3

DOUBLES

1.Carla Rosenberg/Simone Kung (ILL) def. Kavitha Tipirneni/Jen Vaughn (UM) 8-3 2.Michelle Webb/ Eldina Fazlic (ILL) def. . Szandra Fuzesi/Kim Plaushines (UM) 9-7 3.Jennifer McGaffigan/Eva Choe(ILL) def. Chrissie Nolan/ Joanne Musgrove (UM) 8-4