Oct. 5, 2003

The Illini women's tennis team wrapped up the San Diego Invitational this afternoon by winning three of the singles flights. Jennifer McGaffigan, Isabel Jarosz and Brianna Knue won the Flight "A," "B," and "C" titles today at San Diego State University.

Coach Sujay Lama was impressed by his seniors' poise in today's competition. "Jenny was outstanding and it was an incredible match." "It was about a 3 to 3 ? hour match," he said. "She is just a special player and an unbelievable competitor. She never gives up, and back to back tournament titles is pretty good."

Also showing another impressive display was freshman standout Isabel Jarosz. Jarosz also earned her second consecutive tournament title by winning the Flight "B" championship match over her Illini teammate, Cynthya Goulet.

"What she has accomplished in the past couple of weeks is amazing," said Lama. "I don't know if we have ever had a freshman win back-to-back events. She is just a great, great competitor. Once she is on the court, she does her job Just seeing what she has done--she hasn't lost a match singles or doubles. I think she has a great start to her career here at Illinois."

In Flight "C," Sophomore Brianna Knue won the title match in two close sets over her competition from Pepperdine. "Brianna gave an unbelievable effort; she has such great heart. I am really happy for her," Lama said. "She's a hard worker and she is very coachable. For her to win this tournament is just amazing."

Because of time constraints, only one Illini doubles team was able to play today. Emily Wang and Brianna Knue took the place of the doubles team that defeated them yesterday but dropped their match to a team from Arkansas.

Three Illini players will be on an extended trip in California as they will be playing in the ITA All-American tournament. McGaffigan and Tiffany Eklov, Goulet will begin that competition this Tuesday.

McGaffigan is hoping this weekend's tournament helps with the All-American tournament. "The tournament was really good. It was good preparation for the All-American tournament. I think that we all played well and got in some good matches. We're all match tough and ready to go for the tournament."

SUNDAY'S ILLINOIS RESULTS:

Singles:
#44 Jennifer McGaffigan (ILL) def. Dita Hauerlandova (SDSU)      7-5, 4-6, 6-4
#82 Lauren Perl (USD) def. #57 Tiffany Eklov (ILL)               7-6 (4), 7-6 (3)
Isabel Jarosz (ILL) def. Cynthya Goulet (ILL)                    6-4, 6-4
Whitney Morton (Arkansas) def. Leila Cehajic (ILL)               6-1, 6-3
Alesya Vidov (SDSU) def. Pavlina Akritas  (ILL)                  6-1, 6-1
Brianna Knue (ILL) def. Lise Sissler (Pepperdine)                7-6 (5), 7-5

Doubles: Whitney Morton/ Megan Ferreira (Arkansas) def. Brianna Knue/Emily Wang (ILL) 8-4