Nov. 5, 2008

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The Illinois women's tennis team is set to host the 2008 Midwest Blast at the Atkins Tennis Center, Nov. 7-9, in Urbana, Ill. The event marks the first home event for the Illini this season, and the debut home tournament for freshmen Amy Allin and Chelcie Abajian.

"This weekend is special for a number of reasons," Illinois head coach Michelle Dasso said. "It not only gives our players a chance to play at home for the first time all season but it also gives our freshman a chance to play in front of our loyal orange and blue fans for the first time in their careers. This tournament caps off our fall season in which we have worked very hard as a whole and put in a serious commitment to fitness. The girls should be proud of the strides they have made."

The tournament will play host to Notre Dame, Wichita State and Denver in the three-day event.

For complete tournament results, visit fightingillini.com at the conclusion of each day's action.

2008 Midwest Blast Tournament Schedule
Friday, Nov. 7
9 a.m. Doubles Matches: ILLINOIS vs. Denver and Notre Dame vs. Wichita State
Singles Matches to Follow: Wichita State vs. Denver
3:30 p.m. Doubles Matches: ILLINOIS vs. Wichita State and Notre Dame vs. Denver
6:30 p.m. Singles Matches: Notre Dame vs. ILLINOIS

Saturday, Nov. 8
9 a.m. Doubles Matches: ILLINOIS vs. Notre Dame and Wichita State vs. Denver
Singles Matches to Follow: Notre Dame vs. Wichita State
1 p.m. Singles Matches: ILLINOIS vs. Denver

Sunday, Nov. 9
8 a.m. Singles Matches: Denver vs. Notre Dame
11 a.m. Singles Matches: Wichita State vs. ILLINOIS