Feb. 24, 2002

Illinois' women's tennis team defeated the Michigan Wolverines, 5-2 in dual-match action today at the Atkins Tennis Center. The Illini lost the doubles point for the second match in a row, but dominated in singles by winning at every position, but No. 3. The victory lifts Illinois' record to 2-0 in the Big Ten and 7-3 overall.

The Illini were blanked in doubles action today. The Wolverines won 8-5 won No.1, 8-6 on No. 2 and 8-3 at No.3.

Trailing again after intermission, the Illini came out smoking in singles, led by a pair of freshmen, Kate Boomershine and Cynthya Goulet, who both registered straight-set victories at Nos. 5 and 2 respectively. Goulet returned to the singles line-up after sitting out yesterday's match with a minor hamstring problem. Junior Eldina Fazlic picked up a win at No. 6, also in straight-sets, 6-4, 7-6 (3) to put the Orange and Blue ahead to stay. On court 4, sophomore Eva Choe defeated her opponent 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 to clinch the match for the Illini. Sophomore Jennifer McGaffigan, ranked 38th in the nation, won her first set 6-3 before dropping the second 6-2. The Davenport, Iowa native came back and convincingly won the match, blanking her opponent 6-0 in the third set to finish the scoring.

"During the break Sujay told us go out and play to win," said McGaffigan. "Sujay told us to play our own match and not to look at the other courts. We each went out and tried to play well and pick up a win for the team."

Commented Lama, "We had some trouble in doubles and we will work on that, but in singles, we were unbelievable. We are a young team and today we never gave up. I am really proud of the way we came back again. Kate was awesome, especially after yesterday's match. Today she came out fired up and really set the tone for the team."

"The two comeback victories were great. We will enjoy this tonight and then get ready to face two top teams this weekend," said Lama.

TODAY'S ILLINOIS RESULTS:
Singles:
1. #38 Jennifer McGaffigan (ILL) vs. Kavitha Tipirneni (UM) 6-3, 2-6, 6-0
2. Cynthya Goulet (ILL) def. Chrissie Nolan (UM)	     6-4, 6-2
3. Michelle DaCosta (UM) def. Tiffany Eklov (ILL)	     7-5, 6-3
4. Eva Choe (ILL) vs. Leanne Rutherford (UM)	     	     6-4, 3-6, 6-3
5. Kate Boomershine (ILL) def. Jen Duprez (UM)	             6-2, 6-1
6. Eldina Fazlic (ILL) def. Joanne Musgrove (UM)	     6-4, 7-6 (3)

Doubles:

1. DaCosta/Rutherford (UM) def. Goulet/McGaffigan (ILL) 8-5

2. Duprez/Kim Plaushines (UM) def. Boomershine/Choe (ILL) 8-6

3. Nolan/Tipirneni (UM) def. Liz Fraker/Michelle Webb (ILL) 8-3