Jan. 25, 2004

The Illinois' women's tennis team defeated Marquette and Illinois State in a double header held at Atkins Tennis Center on Sunday. In the first match of the day, Illinois defeated Marquette 6-1. The Orange and Blues winning ways continued over to the afternoon as they defeated the Illinois State Redbirds 7-0.

Illinois set the tone for the day early by sweeping the Golden Eagles in the three doubles matches. Junior Eva Choe saw her first regular season action since returning from an ACL injury she suffered last April. She defeated Marquette's Fran Bonnelly 6-3, 6-3 in her singles match at the no. 5 spot. In other singles matches #22 Jennifer McGaffigan (no. 1), Tiffany Eklov (no. 2), Cynthya Goulet (no. 3), and Brianna Knue (no. 4) all defeated their opponents in straight sets.

In doubles action against Illinois State, Tiffany Eklov and Eva Choe teamed up to earn an 8-3 victory at no.2, while Brianna Knue and Emily Wang picked up an 8-0 victory at no. 3. The Illini's biggest challenge came when no. 10 Jennifer McGaffigan and Cynthya Goulet faced no. 50 Liina Suurvarik and Katri Miller where they earned an 8-5 victory after pulling away from a 5-all tie.

In singles action, McGaffigan, who is ranked 22nd in the nation, defeated Liina Suurvarik who came in to today's competition ranked 42nd nationally. In matches no. 2-6, the Illini swept the Redbirds, with every player emerging victorious in straight sets.

"My first match prepared me for my second," McGaffigan said. "I felt a little rusty in the first match, but it helped me get sharp going into the second match. Plus I've played her (Suurvarik) a couple of times before, so I knew her game and knew what to expect."

Today was Goulet's first dual meet action since the 2002 season. She responded by going 4-0 for the day, winning two doubles and two singles matches.

"It was really good to get back on the court," Goulet said. "I got a little taste of it in the fall, but its different playing with the team. I was ready to go and even more motivated because it was a dual match. It was great."

"Double-headers can be difficult," said head coach Sujay Lama, "because they test your fitness and your mental attitude but we passed with flying colors today."

The next action for the Illini will be a trip to Knoxville, Tenn. next Sunday to take on the Tennessee Volunteers. The Lady Vols are currently ranked #10 in the country.

"Today was good a start," Said Lama, "but we need to have a great week of practice to prepare for a tough match on the road. Our goal will be to improve our execution and capitalize on every opportunity we get."

SUNDAY'S RESULTS:

Illinois 6, Marquette 1
DOUBLES:
1. #10 Jennifer McGaffigan/Cynthya Goulet (ILL) def. Veronica Briseno/Genevieve Charron (MAR)  8-1
2. Tiffany Eklov/ Isabel Jarosz (ILL) def. Eva Trujilo-Herrera/ Fran Bonnelly (MAR)            8-0
3. Emily Wang/ Brianna Knue (ILL) def. Callan Smith/ Dominika Dabrowski (MAR)                  8-4

SINGLES: 1. #22 Jennifer McGaffigan (ILL) def. Veronica Briseno (MAR) 6-4, 6-2 2. Tiffany Eklov (ILL) def. Genevieve Charron (MAR) 6-3, 6-2 3. Cynthya Goulet (ILL) def. Callan Smith (MAR) 6-2, 6-0 4. Brianna Knue (ILL) def. Dominika Dabrowski (MAR) 6-2, 6-1 5. Eva Choe (ILL) def. Fran Bonnelly (MAR) 6-3, 6-3 6. Annabelle Espinosa (MAR) def. Emily Wang (ILL) 7-6(5), 6-4

Illinois 7, Illinois St. 0 DOUBLES: 1. #10 Jennifer McGaffigan/ Cynthya Goulet (ILL) def. Liina Suurvarik/ Katri Miller (ISU) 8-5 2. Tiffany Eklov/ Eva Choe (ILL) def. Michelle Rabinovich/ Ashley Maxwell (ISU) 8-3 3. Emily Wang/ Brianna Knue (ILL) def. Emilie Sechaud/ Laura Gravino (ISU) 8-0

SINGLES: 1. #22 Jennifer McGaffigan (ILL) def. Liina Suurvarik(ISU) 6-3, 6-4 2. Tiffany Eklov (ILL) def. Katri Miller (ISU) 7-5, 6-4 3. Cynthya Goulet (ILL) def. Michelle Rabinovich(ISU) 6-2, 6-1 4. Isabel Jarosz (ILL) def. Elizabeth Bingier (ISU) 6-2, 6-2 5. Brianna Knue(ILL) def. Emilie Sechaud (ISU) 6-2, 6-1 6. Emily Wang (ILL) def. Laura Gravino (ISU) 6-3, 6-3