March 11, 2007
Results
URBANA, Ill. ­- The No. 5 Illinois men's tennis team returned home to host the No. 29 Wisconsin Badgers this afternoon at the Atkins Tennis Center, giving fans another dose of hard-fought Illini tennis. Playing outdoors under the blue skies of Urbana for the first time this season, the Illini were not fazed by the change in scenery as they battled past the Badgers, 5-2. Led by a solid performance in doubles, the Illini continued their march through conference action, improving to 10-3 on the season and 3-0 in Big Ten, while Wisconsin dropped to 8-3 overall, 2-2 in league play.
"We came in and took care of business in doubles, which was really good to see," head coach Brad Dancer said. "The guys that a came out and took care of their matches are the ones that got us the victory today. All of our guys, from Kevin down the line, are constantly looking to improve their games and work out the kinks all the time. Coming into today, you always have to be prepared for anything, and I thought we responded well and battled through."
In the doubles portion, the Illini made quick work of their Badger opponents as senior GD Jones and Marc Spicijaric (ILL), playing at No. 2, rattled off their third straight victory, dismissing Michael Dierberger and Michael Muskieicz (WIS), 8-2. Jones and Spicijaric lead all Illini doubles pair's with a 9-4 record on the season and in duel action.
Junior Brandon Davis and freshman Jordan Knue sealed the doubles point for the Orange and Blue as they downed Moritz Baumann and Felipe Bellido of Wisconsin, 8-5. The match is only the second doubles tilt for the duo this season as they improved to 2-0 overall and in Big Ten affairs. Cleaning house in doubles for the Illini was the No. 34-ranked and defending national champions Kevin Anderson and Ryan Rowe, who breezed through their match against Jeremy Sonkin and Lachezar Kasarov (WIS), 8-1, to wrap up the Fighting Illini sweep.
The win on court one by Anderson and Rowe was the junior duo's fifth straight, and improved their season mark to 7-2, 6-1 in duel contests.
In singles, Anderson (ILL) notched the first point of the afternoon when his opponent Nolan Polley (WIS) retired, trailing 6-0, 2-0 in the second. The Johannesburg, South Africa native is now 15-4 overall and 9-3 in duels. Jones (ILL) also cruised with little effort in the four spot, taking down Kasarov (WIS) in straights, 6-1, 6-4, improving to 8-5 overall and in duels.
From there, however, the Badgers regained their footing in the match, as UW posted wins at No. 2 and 6 singles to trim the lead to one, 3-2, while both No. 5 and 3 singles were in third and decisive frames.
With Illinois' fate on the ropes, Spicijaric (ILL) fired back, using the cheers of the Illini's loyal fans and a strong determination to clinch the duel victory with a 7-6(7), 2-6, 6-2 defeat of Baumann (WIS) in the third spot. The win improved the Wesley Chapel, Fla., native to 21-11, 8-4 in duels. Davis (ILL) closed out the day, edging Bellido (WIS) 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 to improve to 14-18 overall, 6-6 in duels.
Illinois will take the next week off before heading down South to take on LSU on March 20, at 4 p.m. in Baton Rouge, LA., during the Spring Break holiday.
The Illini then return home for a match against Northwestern on March 31, at 1 p.m., where they will celebrate 100 years of men's tennis at the University of Illinois by honoring the All Century Team and the 1946 Big Ten Championship team.
TENNIS MATCH RESULTS
WISCONSIN VS ILLINOIS
URBANA, ILL. (OUTDOORS)
#5 ILLINOIS 5, #29 WISCONSIN 2
Singles competition
1. #6 Kevin Anderson (ILL) def. Nolan Polley (WIS) 6-0, 2-0, retired
2. Jeremy Sonkin (WIS) def. #8 Ryan Rowe (ILL) 7-6 (7-4), 6-2
3. Marc Spicijaric (ILL) def. Moritz Baumann (WIS) 7-6 (9-7), 2-6, 6-2
4. GD Jones (ILL) def. Lachezar Kasarov (WIS) 6-1, 6-4
5. Brandon Davis (ILL) def. Michael Dierberger (WIS) 5-7, 6-4, 6-4
6. Felipe Bellido (WIS) def. Jordan Knue (ILL) 6-3, 6-1
Doubles competition
1. #34 Kevin Anderson/Ryan Rowe (ILL) def. Nolan Polley/Jeremy Sonkin (WIS) 8-1
2. GD Jones/Marc Spicijaric (ILL) def. Moritz Baumann/Lachezar Kasarov (WIS) 8-2
3. Brandon Davis/Jordan Knue (ILL) def. Michael Dierberger/Felipe Bellido (WIS) 8-5
Match Notes
Wisconsin 8-3, 2-2 Big Ten; National ranking #29
Illinois 10-3, 3-0 Big Ten; National ranking #5
Order of finish: Doubles (2, 3, 1); Singles (1, 4, 6, 2, 3, 5)
