Jan. 23, 2004

The Illini opened their dual match season tonight against the 63rd ranked Ball State Cardinals at Atkins Tennis Center. The Illini defeated the Cardinals by a score of 7-0, registering their eighth straight victory against the Cardinals.

"It was very important for us to start our season off with a convincing victory," said Head Coach Craig Tiley. "Ball State came out and competed against us very well, and I was really proud of some of the performances put forth by our players."

One of the many highlights for the Fighting Illini on the evening was the performance by Michael Calkins in which he recorded his 100th victory in both singles and doubles. Calkins teamed with Chris Martin (ranked 14th nationally) in doubles to earn an 8-2 victory over Matt Laramore and Mike Heule to earn his first victory on the evening. To top his record breaking night he earned a straight set 6-3, 6-3 win in singles against Ball State's Matt Baccarani at No. 1. The wins moved him into fourth and ninth on the all time wins list in Illinois tennis history in doubles and singles respectively.

"It means a lot to me to earn my 100th career victory because I have been part of the tradition here for four years," said Calkins.

"Michael has provided confidence to our team and is one of the reasons that we have won many of our matches," continued Tiley. "I think that Ryler (DeHeart) and Pramod (Dabir) can learn a lot from him on what he does on the court."

The newest member of the Fighting Illini, GD Jones was also introduced to the lime light, competing in his first collegiate match. After being on campus only four days, Jones won his singles match 6-1, 6-3 over Paul Newman. DeHeart and Dabir also earned victories in both singles and doubles, teaming together in doubles to win 8-4, and winning in singles 6-1, 2-6, 6-3; and 6-1, 4-6, 6-3 respectively. The tandem of Brian Wilson and Phil Stolt joined to win their doubles match 8-5 in each of their first collegiate competitions of the 2003-2004 season.

The Fighting Illini will resume action tomorrow night against the No. 9 Texas A&M Aggies. With a victory tomorrow night the Illini can set the longest winning streak at home in Illinois tennis history with 22 victories. Admission will be free to the contest; with the match starting at 6 p.m. Tomorrow night will also be "Paint the Center Orange Night" in which all spectators are encouraged to wear orange, with the first 100 receiving a free rally towel. Prizes and gifts will also be given out throughout the evening.

# 1 Illinois 7, # 63 Ball State 0
Singles:
1. #39 Michael Calkins (ILL) def. Matt Baccarani (BSU)              6-3, 6-3
2. #47 Chris Martin (ILL) def. Matt Laramore (BSU)                  6-3, 6-1
3. #65 Ryler DeHeart (ILL) def. Michael Heule (BSU)                 6-1, 2-6, 6-3
4. #74 Pramod Dabir (ILL) def. Patrick Thompson (BSU)               6-1, 4-6, 6-3
5. Evan Zeder (ILL) def. Klint Knable (BSU)                         6-4, 6-4
6. GD Jones (ILL) def. Paul Newman (BSU)                          6-1, 6-3

Doubles:
1. Phil Stolt/Brian Wilson (ILL) def. Matt Baccarani/Patrick Thompson (BSU);          8-5
2. #14 Michael Calkins/Chris Martin (ILL) def. Matt Laramore/Michael Heule (BSU);     8-2
3. Pramod Dabir/Ryler DeHeart (ILL) def. Klint Knable/Paul Newman (BSU);              8-4