Oct. 12, 2008

Complete Results

EVANSTON, Ill. - Three members of the Illinois women's tennis team wrapped up a successful weekend at the Wildcat Invitational hosted by Northwestern. Junior Christine Stromberg, sophomore Annie McCarthy and freshman Chelcie Abajian all competed in a loaded field of participants from DePaul, Minnesota, Michigan State, Wisconsin, Louisiana State, Akron, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Notre Dame, and host Northwestern.

"I'm extremely proud of how well both Christine and Annie did this weekend," Illinois head coach Michelle Dasso said. "They are such a great representation of our team and embody the Fighting Illini spirit. Those two typically don't get the credit they deserve so it's always extra special to see them succeed."

Stromberg and McCarthy both had a solid showing for the Orange and Blue, each going 3-1 in singles and 2-2 in doubles. In the Flight D singles bracket, Stromberg picked up her first win of the tournament in a three set battle with Cali Gustafson from DePaul. After dropping the first set, Stromberg rebounded to take the match 4-6, 6-2, 6-1. In the first round of the same bracket, McCarthy dominated Whitney Wilson from Michigan State, 6-1, 7-6 (3). The two Illini continued their run at the Wildcat Invitational, advancing all the way to the Flight D singles semifinals.

In doubles, McCarthy teamed up with Abajian. The Illini duo dropped their first match then bounced right back in the Flight A consolation draw, routing the Minnesota duo of Jackie Sperling and Magdalena Wiecha, 8-0.

Abajian picked up her first singles win of the Wildcat Invitational on the final day of competition in a straight sets victory over Stephanie Kebler from Michigan State, 6-3, 6-2.

"Chelcie started off slow this weekend, but finished strong beating a very good opponent from Michigan State on the last day of the tournament," Dasso added.

The Illini continue their busy fall schedule when they head to the ITA Midwest Regional Championships Oct. 23-28 in East Lansing, Mich.

Wildcat Invitational Results
Evanston, Ill. 10/10-10/12/08

Singles - Day One
Lauren Lui (NU) def. Chelcie Abajian (ILL) 6-1, 6-1
Annie McCarthy (ILL) def. Whitney Wilson (MSU) 6-1, 7-6 (3)
Christine Stromberg (ILL) def. Cali Gustafson (DEP) 4-6, 6-2, 6-1

Doubles - Day One
Ana Marija Zubori / Natasa Vuckovic (USC) def. Chelcie Abajian / Annie McCarthy (ILL) 8-4
Chelicie Abajian / Annie McCarthy (ILL) def. Jackie Sperling / Magdalena Wiecha (MIN) 8-0

Christine Stromberg (ILL) / Katie Potts (ND) def. Emese Kardhordo / Erin Jobe (WIS) 8-2
Zaruhi Harutyunyan / Anna Baronayte (AKR) def. Christine Stromberg (ILL) / Katie Potts (ND) 8-6

Singles - Day Two
Hannah Robinson (LSU) def. Chelcie Abajian (ILL) 6-2, 6-3
Karina Chiarelli (MIN) def. Chelcie Abajian (ILL) 6-1, 6-3

Annie McCarthy (ILL) def. Brittany Baldy (OU) 7-5, 6-2
Christine Stromberg (ILL) def. Elena Kazakova (MIN) 7-5, 7-6 (1)

Ashley Miller (USC) def. Annie McCarthy (ILL) 6-1, 6-4
Angela Chupa (WIS) def. Christine Stromberg (ILL) 7-6 (4), 6-1

Doubles - Day Two
Tara Eckel / Ana-Maria Constantinescu (OU) def. Chelcie Abajian / Annie McCarthy (ILL) 8-2
Christine Stromberg (ILL) / Katie Potts (ND) def. Brittany Baldy / Kristin Gray (OU) 8-5

Singles - Day Three
Chelcie Abajian (ILL) def. Stephanie Kebler (MSU) 6-3, 6-2
Christine Stromberg (ILL) def. Sloane Mathis (LSU) 6-0, 6-1
Annie McCarthy (ILL) def. Ally Wickman (MSU) 6-4, 6-3

Doubles - Day Three

Chelcie Abajian / Annie McCarthy (ILL) def. Marie-Pier Huet/ Kristina Radan (OU) 9-7
Katarina Milinkovic / Cali Gustafson (DEP) def. Christine Stromberg (ILL) / Katie Pitts (ND), 9-8(2)