Buckeyes Edge Illini in Home Finale, 4-3

Sunday, April 15

Urbana, Ill.

11:00 AM

University of Illinois

Ohio State

April 15, 2007 | Women's Tennis

April 15, 2007

Results

URBANA, Ill. - The Illinois women's tennis team mounted a spirited fight in their final home match of the season, but could not overcome No. 50 Ohio State today, dropping the contest 4-3 at the Atkins Tennis Center. Freshman Megan Fudge became the first Illini to reach the 20-win plateau with her weekend efforts, as she improved to 21-13 overall with her win at No. 1 singles against the Buckeyes, and is currently riding a two-match win streak heading into Illinois' final matches of the regular season next weekend.

"I was really proud of how all the girls battled today," head coach Michelle Dasso said. "We made the most of our opportunities, but could not quite break through at the end. In the Big Ten, it is hard to win four singles matches, so it is very important to win the doubles point right off the bat."

Illinois dropped to 5-14 on the season with the loss, 1-7 in conference action, while Ohio State improved to 17-7 overall and 5-2 in Big Ten play.

In doubles, the duo of senior Emily Wang, who enjoyed her final match at the Atkins Tennis Center during Senior Day, and Fudge helped the senior go out in style as they steamrolled Julie Blackmore and Ally Mueller of Ohio State, 8-1, in the top spot. The win, however, would fall short of igniting the Illini to clinch the doubles point as the Buckeyes dealt Illinois losses at Nos. 2 and 3 doubles.

"Emily played outstanding in doubles and gave all she had in singles," Dasso said about her lone senior on the roster. "She really pushed Ohio State and came out strong on Senior Day."

With a 1-0 lead on its racquets, Ohio State was forced to defend that lead down to the last match as the Illini forced the final two deciding matches at Nos. 3 and 4 to a third set.

Setting up the comeback, Fudge won her second straight singles match on court one as she hardly broke a sweat against Blackmore (OSU), winning 6-4, 6-0 to open the singles portion of the day. Ohio State took the lead again with a victory at No. 5, but would not hold it long as junior Momei Qu (ILL) knotted the score as she prevailed over Mueller (OSU), 7-5, 6-4 on court two.

From there, Ohio State won the final two-set victory of the afternoon at No. 6 singles, as Wang ended her singles career at the Atkins Tennis Center on a disappointing 6-2, 7-6(4) loss to Julie Voss (OSU).

With the score standing at 3-2 in favor of the visiting Buckeyes, Illinois's fate rested on the shoulders of sophomore Shivani Davé (2) and freshman Kristina Minor at No. 3 and 4 singles, respectively. Davé pulled through with her first come-from behind victory of the year after losing the first set, as she downed Christina Keesey (OSU), 6-7(2), 6-2, 6-1, kicking her game into a different gear in the final two frames. The win, however, was not enough as Minor was handed a 4-6, 6-2, 6-2 setback on court four to give Ohio State the 4-3 victory.

"I was really proud of how Shivani played today," Dasso said. "She never gave up and fought to come back after dropping the first set in singles. We just fell a bit short in the end from claiming the win."

The Illini will be back in action next weekend when they travel to Iowa City, Iowa on Saturday, April 21, to take on the Hawkeyes, followed by its final match of the regular season on Sunday, April 22, in Minneapolis against the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

Tennis Match Results

Urbana, Ill.

4/15/07

#50 Ohio State 5, Illinois 2

Singles Competition

1. Megan Fudge (ILL) def. Julie Blackmore (OSU) 6-4, 6-0

2. Momei Qu (ILL) def. Ally Mueller (OSU) 7-5, 6-4

3. Shivani Davé (ILL) def. Christina Keesey (OSU) 6-7(2), 6-2, 6-1

4. Sonia Ruzimovsky (OSU) def. Kristina Minor (ILL) 4-6, 6-2, 6-2

5. Caitlin O'Keefe (OSU) def. Alejandra Meza Cuadra (ILL) 7-5, 6-1

6. Julie Voss (OSU) def. Emily Wang (ILL) 6-2, 7-6(4)

Doubles Competition