March 23, 2007

Results

SAN ANTONIO, Texas - The Illinois women's tennis team overcame a load of adversity in its win over Texas-San Antonio on Thursday night at the UTSA Tennis Center. Despite the match being delayed due to rain and the Illini playing with a thin lineup, the Orange and Blue took care of business in a 4-2 win over the Roadrunners. Illinois improved to 4-8 overall, and enter Big Ten action this weekend with a 0-1 record in the league.

"I couldn't be more proud of the way the girls fought today," head coach Michelle Dasso said. "It was a true team effort. The girls overcame a lot of adversity, starting their matches outside before having to move indoors due to rain. We played without Kristina due to injury, but were able to play strong in the top four spots in singles to get the win."

With inclement weather forecasted, the Illini started the match with singles action in hopes of finishing the individual portion outdoors before the rain hit. Midway through their contests, the Illini were forced indoors where they didn't skip a beat en route to grabbing wins at No. 1-4 singles.

Opening the match, freshman Megan Fudge (ILL) notched a 6-1, 6-2 victory over Nathalie Wallin (UTSA), while sophomore Shivani Davé (ILL) battled back to overcome Karen Scida (UTSA), 1-6, 6-1, 6-2. Continuing the Illini push, junior Momei Qu had no trouble dismissing Sandra Kukla (UTSA) 6-4, 6-3 to pad the Illini lead in the match, 3-0.

The Roadrunners grabbed their first win of the night at No. 5 singles, but with the match in her hands, junior Alejandra Meza Cuadra (ILL) clinched the dual victory with her defeat of Tanya Hasking (UTSA), 6-4, 6-1 on court four. Illinois defaulted in the No. 6 slot due to freshman Kristina Minor's ankle injury she suffered in the first set of her match against the Longhorns a day prior.

With the match already decided, the Illini did not play doubles, claiming the win 4-2.

The Illini are back in action when they return home to host Michigan State on Sunday, March 25, with first serve set for noon at the Atkins Tennis Center.

Tennis Match Results
3/22/2007 at San Antonio, Texas
Illinois 4, Texas-San Antonio 2

Singles competition
1. Megan Fudge (ILL) def. Nathalie Wallin (UTSA) 6-1, 6-2
2. Momei Qu (ILL) def. Sandra Kukla (UTSA) 6-4, 6-3
3. Shivani Davé (ILL) def. Karen Scida (UTSA) 1-6, 6-1, 6-2
4. Alejandra Meza Cuadra (ILL) def. Tanya Hasking (UTSA) 6-4, 6-1
5. Monika Drabkova (UTSA) def. Emily Wang (ILL) 6-0, 6-4
6. Holly Phillips (UTSA) def. Kristina Minor (ILL), by default

Doubles competition
Did Not Play

Match Notes:
Order of finish: Doubles (Did Not Play); Singles (1, 2, 3, 5, 4, 6)