Feb. 10, 2002

Illinois' women's tennis team defeated Marquette today, 6-1, at the Atkins Tennis Center. The contest was the final home match for the squad before the Big Ten dual-match campaign begins in two weeks.

The Illini captured the doubles point in impressive fashion, sweeping the Eagles in all three matches. The doubles line-ups were shaken up as Head Coach Sujay Lama continued to search for the best tandems before the start of conference play. At No. 1, freshman Cynthya Goulet teamed with sophomore Jennifer McGaffigan to dispatch their opponents, 8-4, while at No. 2, the sophomore duo of Tiffany Eklov and Eva Choe took care of their foes, 8-5. Illinois' most impressive win came at No. 3 where juniors Michelle Webb and Liz Fraker rolled to an 8-3 victory.

"In doubles today, every team communicated very well," said Lama. "We didn't let up out there and we were able to find a way out of a couple of tough situations we were in. When we play like we did today, and have our teams working together and communicating out there, it gives us a great chance to take all three matches."

In singles, the Illini won five of six matches, losing only at the No. 6 position. McGaffigan, Goulet, Choe, and junior Eldina Fazlic each won in straight-sets, at the Nos. 1, 2, 4, and 5 spots. Eklov dropped her first set before coming back and forcing a third set tiebreaker, which she won, 10-7.

"We played a solid match today. When playing a team that you are supposed to beat, there is always the danger of playing down to your opponent, but we didn't do that. Our players did a great job and won the big points when we needed them. I was pleased with our overall effort." Said Lama

Freshman Kate Boomershine did not compete due to back soreness. Lama pointed out that they were only being cautious with Boomershine and he added that she is expected to practice fully this week. "That is the luxury we have by having so many healthy bodies, if someone is sore or stiff, we have talented people who are going to be able step in and do the job," Lama stated.

The Illini hit the road next weekend to take on nationally ranked Wake Forest and Vanderbilt in the teams final tune up before the Big Ten campaign begins.

TODAY'S ILLINOIS RESULTS:
Singles:
1. #51 Jennifer McGaffigan (ILL) def. Gen Charron (MU)	       6-1, 6-3
2. Cynthya Goulet (ILL) def. Eva Trujillo (MU)	           6-1, 6-1
3. Tiffany Eklov (ILL) def. Belle Espinosa (MU)	           2-6, 7-5,(7)
4. Eva Choe (ILL) def. Veronica Briseno (MU)		       6-2, 6-3
5. Eldina Fazlic (ILL) def. Anna Pavlovic (MU)     	       6-3, 6-2
6. Alexandra Stankovic (MU) def. Michelle Webb (ILL)	       6-0, 6-3

Doubles:

1. McGaffigan/Goulet (ILL) def. Charron/Pavlovic (MU) 8-4

2. Eklov/Choe (ILL) def. Briseno/Espinosa (MU) 8-5

3. Webb/Liz Fraker (ILL) def. Stankovic/Trujillo (MU) 8-3