April 7, 2007
Results
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The Illinois women's tennis team, despite coming out strong in doubles, dropped a tough battle, 4-3, to Penn State on Saturday afternoon at the Atkins Tennis Center. After winning a close doubles session, Illinois went on to settle the dual in singles, but were unable to squeak out keys wins to prevail of the Nittany Lions.
The loss dropped Illinois to 5-11 on the season and 1-4 in the Big Ten, while PSU improved to 8-9 and 2-4 in conference play.
"I was really proud of the way we came out and played in doubles today," head coach Michelle Dasso said. "We knew if we were going to beat Penn State, one of the goals was to grab the doubles point. Now, we have to put this behind us and focus on tomorrow."
Illinois was all business to open the match during the doubles point, kicking off the Big Ten dual in exciting fashion. After splitting the first two matches at the Nos. 1 and 2 spots, Illinois' Shivani Davé and Alejandra Meza Cuadra earning the victory on court two, Kristina Minor and Momei Qu (ILL) clinched the third and deciding match, 9-7, over Lauren McCarthy and Dorothy Dohanics (PSU) to lead the Orange and Blue into singles with a 1-0 lead.
In singles, it was a back-and-fourth battle between the Fighting Illini and the Nittany Lions all afternoon. After the first three singles matches, the score was tied at 2-2. Freshman Megan Fudge (ILL) tallied the Orange and Blue's win during that stretch, winning in dominant fashion over PSU's Andreea Niculescu 6-4, 6-0 at the No. 1 slot.
From there, Penn State rallied to complete victories at the Nos. 4-6 positions to secure the road victory. Davé capped off the Illini's heartfelt battle, downing Lauren Holzberg (PSU) in a third set tie-breaker, 6-2, 4-6, 7-6(3) in the third spot to seal the day's final score, 4-3.
Illinois returns to action tomorrow, Easter Sunday, April 8, at noon to face off against No. 23-ranked Michigan. Illini fans are encouraged to come out and support the women's tennis team, as the event also will feature an Easter Egg Hunt for the children.
