March 11, 2001
The Fighting Illini won an exciting match today at the Atkins Tennis Center in dual-match action. The outcome of the match hinged on a pair of thrilling singles match-ups.
In doubles, the Illini won two out of three doubles matches to capture the all important doubles point. Seniors Carla Rosenberg and Simone Kung won at No.1 8-4, while sophomores Eldina Fazlic and Michelle Webb were victorious at No.2, 8-5. In both matches, the Illini jumped out to early leads and then held on to take the victory.
Once again, Webb set the tone in singles, with a straight-set victory over Martina Grimm, 6-2, 6-1 at No.5. Kung came through at No.4, with an exciting straight-set win, 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (7-5) over Indiana's J.J. Levin. Freshman Jennifer McGaffigan won a thriller at No.1, 6-2, 3-6, 6-4 over Kelly Blanch. The most exciting and emotional match came at No.6, with Rosenberg winning the first set 6-3, falling in the second 6-1, and then rallying from a 5-2 deficit in the third set, to win 7-6 (7-3). Rosenberg's victory was also the match-clincher.
"After being down 5-2 in the third set, I was very negative, but I decided to focus on the positive and I was able to turn things around and win the match. We can't get down because it only spirals from there," Rosenberg said.
"I am really proud of this team, this was tough weekend to play because everyone else is on spring break, but we played very well. The doubles point is the key because we always believe that we can win three singles matches and I think that was evident today," Rosenberg continued.
Added Kung, "We played very well today. Clinching the doubles point was huge, the match could have went either way, but we took care of business, refused to give up, and we got the job done."
"Our seniors stepped up big time today. For us to have a good season, we need our seniors playing well. It gives the whole team confidence," said Head Coach Sujay Lama. "It was a great tennis match against a great team."
Illinois travels to Florida this week to take on a tough Florida team, Thursday March 15.
"We have tremendous respect for Florida, they have a top team every year. This is a tremendous opportunity to play an opponent of this caliber, but when we play our best we can beat any team in the country," said Lama. "Playing outside is only a factor if you let it be one. We have three and a half days to practice, so it shouldn't be a factor. In fact, because most women are baseliners it could help us."
Today's Illinois Results:
SINGLES
1. No. 80 Jennifer McGaffigan (ILL) def. Kelly Blanch (IU) 6-2, 3-6, 6-4
2. Amanda Field (IU) def. Eldina Fazlic (ILL) 7-6 (7-5), 6-2
3. Linda Tran (IU) def. Tiffany Eklov (ILL) 4-6, 6-2, 6-2
4. Simone Kung (ILL) def. J.J. Levin (IU) 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (7-5)
5. Michelle Webb (ILL) def. Martina Grimm (IU) 6-2, 6-1
6. Carla Rosenberg (ILL) def. Karie Schlukebir 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (7-3)*
DOUBLES
1. Simone Kung/Carla Rosenberg (ILL) def. Kelly Blanch/Linda Tran (IU) 8-4
2. Eldina Fazlic/Michelle Webb (ILL) def. J.J. Levin/Karie Schlukebir (IU) 8-5
3. Martina Grimm/Jennifer Hsia (IU) def. Jennifer McGaffigan/Tiffany Eklov (ILL) 8-1
* Match-clinching victory
