Jan. 12, 2007

FT. MYERS, Fla. - The No.5 Illinois men's tennis team continued action at the J. Webb Horton Classic in Ft. Myers, Fla., today, with junior Ruben Gonzales leading the way with a victory over Jonathas Sucupira of Florida State, 6-3, 6-3, in the consolation bracket. The three-day event, which is being held on the campus of Florida Gulf Coast University, concludes tomorrow.
 
Junior Ryan Rowe just missed a trip to the finals, falling to David North of Georgia Tech, 6-1, 6-3, in his second match of the Classic. Brandon Davis could not overcome Middle Tennessee State's Morgan Richard in his consolation match, dropping another close first set, 7-5, before losing the match 6-2 in the second.
 
In another marathon for the Orange and Blue freshman, Jordan Knue took Georgia Tech's Zach Rath (6-3, 5-7, 7-5) to the limit, but a late-game push from Rath would be enough to defeat the Illini newcomer. This is the second three-set match for Knue out of only three matches played this season.
 
In doubles action, Rowe and Davis teamed together to take down Eric Molnar and Rath of Georgia Tech (8-5) in their opening tilt, but could not keep the run going as they fell to North and Jose Muguruza (Georgia Tech) by a score of 8-6.
 
Friday's results now set up a Finals showdown between North (Georgia Tech) and Bradley Mixson (Florida State) in the singles final, while Chris Cloer and Ryan Boyajian (Florida State) will take on North and Muguruza (Georgia Tech) in the doubles final.
 
For complete results for the Illinois men's tennis team at the J. Webb Horton Classic, visit fightingillini.com for a full recap following the day's action.
 
ILLINOIS RESULTS:
Singles
Ruben Gonzales (ILL) def. Jonathas Sucupira (FSU); 6-3, 6-3
David North (Georgia Tech) def. Ryan Rowe (ILL); 6-1, 6-3
Morgan Richard (Middle Tennessee State) def. Brandon Davis (ILL); 7-5, 6-2
Zach Rath (Georgia Tech) def. Jordan Knue (ILL); 6-3, 5-7, 7-5
 
Doubles
Rowe/Davis (ILL) def. Eric Molnar/Rath (Georgia Tech); 8-5
North/Jose Muguruza (Georgia Tech) def. Rowe/Dave (ILL); 8-6