April 5, 2003

Illinois' women's tennis team flexed its singles muscles today in a 6-1 drubbing of Penn State at the Atkins Tennis Center in Urbana. The Illini dominated singles, dropping only one set after losing the doubles point. The win improves Illinois' record to 11-5 overall and 4-1 in Big Ten play. The Nittany Lions fall to 7-8 overall and 2-3 in conference play.

"We were more pumped up heading into singles," freshman Pavlina Akritas said. "We knew that we had to play well in singles in order to win. Hopefully this win will get us back on track and we can play even better tomorrow."

Senior Eldina Fazlic put the Illini on the board with a 6-2, 6-2 thrashing of Maaria Husain at No. 3.

At No. 2, Tiffany Eklov picked up her team-leading 20th singles victory, 6-2, 6-3 over Leigh Ann Merryman.

Jennifer McGaffigan, ranked 66th nationally, quickly disposed of Megan Marton, 6-2, 6-2 at No. 1.

Freshman Brianna Knue clinched the victory with a 6-1, 6-2 dismantling of Sarah Spence at No. 5. The win snapped Knue's three-match losing streak.

"Everyone came out confident in singles," sophomore Cynthya Goulet said. "We went out aggressive and played the way we are supposed to play. We need to figure out our doubles, but we are confident in singles because we know every position can pick up a point."

Eva Choe added the Illini's fifth point, winning 6-4, 7-5 over Judy Wang at No. 4.

Michelle Webb tallied Illinois' last point, defeating Lindsay Downing, 6-3, 3-6, 11-9.

"Today we came out more confident in singles," freshman Jessica Barki said. "The fact we know we can count on every position, from one to six, is a big part of that confidence. We trust each other and go out knowing that every court will take care of business."

The Nittany Lions picked up the first point in the match by virtue of winning doubles matches at No. 2. 8-6, and No. 3, 8-5.

At No. 1, Webb and McGaffigan, ranked No. 15 nationally, rolled over Penn State's Merryman and Maaria Husain, 8-3. The win pushes the Illini duo's record to 24-4 on the season.

"This was the best singles we've played all year, top to bottom," Head Coach Sujay Lama said. "We were unbelievable. I'm frustrated with our recent doubles performances though. We're a lot better in doubles than our last five matches indicate. We have teams capable of going out and picking up wins that give us momentum heading into singles."

"I was pleased with the way we came out in singles," Lama added. "Hopefully we can carry that momentum into tomorrow's match against a very good Ohio State team."

Illinois returns to action tomorrow when the Ohio State Buckeyes visit Atkins Tennis Center. The match is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. CST.

Today's Illinois Results:

Singles:

1. #66 Jennifer McGaffigan (ILL) def. Megan Marton (PSU) 6-2, 6-2 2. #106 Tiffany Eklov (ILL) def. Leigh Ann Merryman (PSU) 6-2, 6-3 3. Eldina Fazlic (ILL) def. Maaria Husain (PSU) 6-2, 6-2 4. Eva Choe (ILL) def. Judy Wang (PSU) 6-4, 7-5 5. Brianna Knue (ILL) def. Sarah Spence (PSU) 6-1, 6-2 6. Michelle Webb (ILL) def. Lindsay Downing (PSU) 6-3, 3-6, 11-9

Doubles:

1. #15 Webb/McGaffigan (ILL) def. Merryman/Husain (PSU) 8-3 2. Marton/Wang (PSU) def. Choe/Fazlic (ILL) 8-6 3. Spence/Downing (PSU) def. Eklov/Knue (ILL) 8-5