Jan. 25, 2007

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. ­ - Illinois women's tennis recruit Marisa Lambropoulos recently took third at the Midwest Winter Championships in Girls' 18 Singles on Jan. 22 at the Genesys Athletic Club in Grand Blanc, Mich. The future Illini, set to join the squad in 2008, entered as the No. 5 seed in the draw, taking out No. 3-seeded Katie Kargl and No. 8-seeded Vanessa Steiner en route to the third-place finish. For her efforts and great attitude, the tournament field also voted her the recipient of the event's Sportsmanship Award.

"Marisa is going to be an outstanding addition to the team," head coach Michelle Dasso said. "Her results at the Midwest Winter Championships, as well as her receiving the sportsmanship award, are a testament of both what a great player and well liked person she is. We are very proud she is a future Fighting Illini."

Lambropoulos had to work her way through the draw, but dropped only one set en route to the semifinals. In the semifinals, the Lake Forest, Ill., native ran into No. 2-seeded Rebecca Parks, who eventually went on to claim the tournament title. In the consolation match, Lambropoulos easily handled Steiner 6-3, 6-2.