Nov. 8, 2003

The Illinois women's tennis team concluded the second day of the fifth annual Midwest Blast at the UI Atkins Tennis Center this evening. The Illini began the day with three doubles matchups against competitors from Notre Dame, but managed to win on ly one of them. For the second day in a row, Tiffany Eklov and Isabel Jarosz posted Illinois' only doubles win.

"For Isabel and Tiffany to win again today is such a positive," said Assistant Coach JoAnne Russell. "It can take us forever to find doubles teams. We have been looking to establish a second doubles team, and I think that Tiffany and Isabel are good to go."

In singles action, the Orange and Blue faced players from Virginia this evening. Eklov and Jarosz were both able to defeat their opponents.

"There were some close singles matches today," said Russell. "Three of our girls that lost tonight took their matches to three sets. I look at body language and how the girls carry themselves on the court. If you look like a loser with your shoulders slumped on the court, then you are going to lose. All the girls are tough on themselves,s and the fall is the time to work on your game. The girls are working to improve, and in the end they will win big matches for us."

"It is exciting to be able to play at home," said Jarosz. "Last night and tonight with all the fans cheering for us, it was great. It's also good because it feels like a real dual match. This tournament is very team-oriented, and its fun to compete in that setting."

The Midwest Blast will wrap up tomorrow with competition beginning at 9 a.m. instead of the originally scheduled 8 a.m. starting time. Updates for the Midwest Blast will be posted on-line periodically throughout the day on www.fightingillini.com.

SATURDAY'S ILLINOIS RESULTS:

Singles
Tiffany Eklov (ILL) def. Mariko Fritz-Krockow (VA)      6-2, 3-6, 6-4
Isabel Jarosz (ILL) def. Kristen Jones (VA)             6-0, 6-1
Lauren Bruch (VA) def. Cynthya Goulet (ILL)             6-4, 1-6, 5-7
Dora Bechliwanis (VA) def. Brianna Knue (ILL)           6-2, 3-6, 4-3
Marta Bechliwanis (VA) def. Emily Wang (ILL)            4-6, 6-3, 7-6
Caroline Hammond (VA) def. Leila Cehajic (ILL)          6-4, 6-2
Shannon Stough (VA) def. Leila Cehajic (ILL)            4-6, 6-2, 7-6 (9)
Kelly Nelson (ND) def. Pavlina Akritas (ILL)            6-1, 6-2

Doubles Isabel Jarosz/Tiffany Eklov (ILL) def. Catrina Thompson/Christian Thompson (ND) 9-8 (4) Lauren Connolly/Kristina Stastny (ND) def. Brianna Knue/Cynthya Goulet (ILL) 8-3 Emily Neighbours/Kelly Nelson (ND) def. Emily Wang/Eva Choe (ILL) 8-4