Feb. 4, 2001

The Fighting Illini women's tennis team dropped its first dual meet of the season, 5-2, to No. 17 Tennessee at the Atkins Tennis Center Sunday afternoon. The match was about as close as it could be, with emotions riding high on both sides. Illinois dropped a heartbreaker at No. 1 doubles which changed the whole match.

"That was definitely the turning point of the match," said Head Coach Sujay Lama. "To get that point in doubles really would have helped us out. Tennessee is a very tough team because they expect to win, but I feel today we showed that we are good enough to play with anyone."

After the emotional doubles loss, the Illini came out sluggish in singles . Four of the six matches went to Tennessee. Sophomore Michelle Webb continued her hot streak with a 6-1,6-0 victory at No. 6 singles. Senior Carla Rosenberg also was victorious at the No. 5 spot. Only No. 2 by Rosenberg and freshamn Jennifer McGaffigan.

The Illini will return to action next Sunday when Wake Forest pays a visit to Atkins.

Today's Illinois Results:

Singles:
1. Alison Ojeda (UT) def. Eldina Fazlic (ILL) 6-4,7-6(3)
2. Agnes Wiski (UT) def. Jennifer McGaffigan (ILL) 6-4,6-4
3. Vilmarie Castellvi (UT) def. Simone Kung (ILL) 6-1,5-7,7-6(4)
4. Crystal Cleveland (UT) def Eva Choe (ILL) 6-4,7-5
5. Carla Rosenberg (ILL) def. Brooke Cordell (UT) 6-3,7-5
6. Michelle Webb(ILL) def. Catherine Hall(UT) 6-1,6-0

Doubles:
1. Ojeda/Castellvi (UT) def. Fazlic/Webb (ILL) 9-7
2. McGaffigan/Rosenberg (ILL) def. Hall/Wiski (UT) 8-5
3. Cleveland/Cordell (UT) def. Kung/Eklov (ILL) 8-6