Nov. 7, 2003

The doubles duo of Michael Calkins and Chris Martin suffered their first loss of the year today at the ITA National Intercollegiate Indoor Championships in Ann Arbor, Mich. Coming into the match with a 7-0 record, the duo was defeated in the doubles quarterfinals by the No. 3-ranked team of Zoltan Csanadi/Izak van der Merwe from Old Dominion, 8-1.

"I didn't think they executed very well tonight," said Head Coach Craig Tiley. "I have seen them play better matches this season; they made too many mistakes early on. They did, however, recognize what things they needed to work on, and their improved play."

In singles consolation action, the No. 62-ranked Calkins faced off against ninth-ranked Jesse Witten of Kentucky. After a 6-3 first-set win by Calkins, Witten came back to take the match by winning the next two sets, 6-3, 6-4. With the loss to Witten, Calkins was eliminated from singles play

In his first 14 matches this season Calkins has faced 10 ranked opponents, including five ranked in the preseason Top 20. Despite the challenging schedule and loss today, Calkins has amassed an 8-6 record, beating four ranked opponents along the way.

"Michael played a much better match than he did yesterday," continued Tiley. "He played a better opponent today, but I think he was still disappointed that he didn't win."

Calkins and Martin will join the rest of the Fighting Illini men's tennis team on campus next week to prepare for possible play as amateurs in the USTA Challenger held at the UI Atkins Tennis Center. Qualifying will start next Saturday, Nov. 15, and main draw competition will get under way on Monday. Several former Illini are expected to compete in the Challenger, although the qualifying and main draw brackets have not yet been finalized.

Friday's Results:
(For complete bracket results visit itatennis.com)

Singles:
#9 Jesse Witten (Kentucky) def. #62 Michael Calkins (ILL); 3-6, 6-3, 6-4

Doubles:
#3 Zoltan Csanadi/Izak van der Merwe (Old Dominion) def. Michael Calkins/Chris Martin (ILL); 8-1