April 27, 2001
After a bye Thursday, the 29th-ranked Fighting Illini came out today and defeated Wisconsin, 5-0, at the Stickney Tennis Center, in Columbus, Ohio, home to the 2001 Big Ten Women's Tennis Tournament.
The 5-0 score came about because In tournament action, play is stopped once the outcome of the match has been decided. Senior Simone Kung and freshman Jennifer McGaffigan closed their matches simultaneously, to account for the fourth and fifth points. Illinois' win advanced its season record to 16-6 and its mark against Big Ten foes to 10-1. The Badgers bowed out of the tournament with a 3-7 big Ten marka nd an 8-15 season record.
Senior Carla Rosenberg and freshman Eva Choe led the way in doubles action for the Orange and Blue at No. 2. They dominated the quick match, 8-1. Illinois captured the doubles point when freshman Jennifer McGaffigan and sophomore Eldina Fazlic teamed to beat Wisconsin's Teresa Gonzaga and Linde Mues, 9-7, at No. 3. The match at No. 1 was halted at 7-7.
In singles action, Rosenberg, at No. 6, set the pace with a straight-set victory, 6-0, 6-3 over the Badgers' Gonzaga. Fazlic and Kung also won in straight-sets. At No. 2, Fazlic won, 6-4, 6-1 over Vanessa Rauh. The match-clincher came as Kung defeated Katie Dougherty, 6-3, 6-1 at No. 3, and McGaffigan ousted the Badgers' April Gabler, 6-0, 4-6, 6-1. Webb's match was stopped after she won the first set, 6-4, and was trailing, 3-2, in the second. Also, Choe's match was stopped with it tied 5-5 in the second set and after she lost the first, 4-6.
"Wisconsin started well today, after their match yesterday. It's important for us to establish ourselves in doubles. Today we did a great job in doubles and we played a heck of a singles match," said Head Coach Sujay Lama. "It was the first round and we did a good job, especially because of the emotions that go along with an opening-round match. I was pleased. We rose to the challenge today."
About tomorrow's possible opponents, Lama said, "We are just happy to be playing in the semi's. Indiana and Penn State are both good teams, but we need to focus on ourselves and progress as we go. I was happy with today, but I think we can take it up a few notches. The key is to be focused, have fun, and enjoy ourselves."
Illinois' next match is tomorrow in a semifinal against the winner of Indiana/Penn State. The match is scheduled to begin at noon EST.
Big Ten Quarterfinal: No. 29 Illinois 5, Wisconsin 0
Singles
1.Jennifer McGaffigan (ILL) def. April Gabler (UW) 6-0, 4-6, 6-1
2.Eldina Fazlic (ILL) def. Vanessa Rauh (UW) 6-4, 6-1
3.Simone Kung (ILL) def. Katie Dougherty (UW) 6-3, 6-1
4.Eva Choe (ILL) vs. Linde Mues (UW) suspended
5.Michelle Webb (ILL) vs. Lara Vojnov (UW) suspended
6.Carla Rosenberg (ILL) def. Teresa Gonzaga (UW) 6-0, 6-3
Doubles
1. Michelle Webb/Simone Kung (ILL) vs. April Gabler/Lara Vojnov (UW) suspended
2. Eva Choe/Carla Rosenberg (ILL) def. Vanessa Rauh/Katie Dougherty (UW) 8-1
3. Jennifer McGaffigan/Eldina Fazlic (ILL) def. Teresa Gonzaga/Llinde Mues (UW) 9-7
