Illini Fall to Tennessee in NCAA Tournament

Women's Tennis May 9, 2008

Illini Fall to Tennessee in NCAA Tournament

May 9, 2008

ATLANTA, Ga. - The No. 36 Illinois women's tennis team gave it their all, but fell short in the opening round of the 2008 NCAA Tournament to the No. 25 Tennessee Lady Volunteers, 4-0. The Fighting Illini wrap up a remarkable turnaround season finishing 12-11 overall and 7-3 in the Big Ten.

"We competed our tails off this afternoon," said Illini head coach Michelle Dasso. "We showed a lot of progress out there today. Megan (Fudge) and Leigh (Finnegan) both lost to their opponent back in January in straight sets, and today they forced both their matches into three set battles. Annie (McCarthy) had an unbelievable showing in her first dual match of the spring. She has continued to improve all season, and today it showed."

The Orange and Blue came out strong in doubles, but could not overcome the feisty Lady Volunteers, dropping the doubles point, heading into singles down 0-1.

"I was pleased with our efforts in the doubles matches today," Dasso added. "Tennessee is a pretty good doubles team and we came out and played pretty good and fought down to the wire with them."

In singles action, the resiliency of the Illini forced three matches in third sets at No. 1, 2, and 5 singles. However, the Vols captured wins at No. 3, 4 and 6 to seal the 4-0 win and advance to the second round.

"This was a great experience for our girls," Dasso said. "I could not be more proud of all of them. We will continue to work hard and improve. We are a much better team now and I have to give credit to my girls and the hard work and dedication they have shown this year."

Illinois vs Tennessee Results - NCAA Tournament Round 1
May 9, 2008 at Atlanta, Ga.

#25 Tennessee 4, #36 Illinois 0
Singles competition
1. Caitlin Whoriskey (UT) vs. Megan Fudge (ILL) 6-4, 4-6, 1-0, unfinished
2. Ghizela Schutte (UT) vs. Leigh Finnegan (ILL) 3-6, 6-1, 3-1, unfinished
3. Samantha Orlin (UT) def. Marisa Lambropoulos (ILL) 6-0, 6-1
4. Connor Vogel (UT) def. Shivani Davé (ILL) 6-4, 6-2
5. Zsofia Zubor (UT) vs. Kristina Minor (ILL) 3-6, 6-4, 0-1, unfinished
6. Rosalia Alda (UT) def. Annie McCarthy (ILL) 7-6 (7-2), 6-3

Doubles competition
1. Caitlin Whoriskey/Zsofia Zubor (UT) vs. Megan Fudge/Shivani Davé (ILL) 6-3, unfinished
2. Ghizela Schutte/Rosalia Alda (UT) def. Leigh Finnegan/Marisa Lambropoulos (ILL) 8-2
3. Connor Vogel/Jennifer Meredith (UT) def. Annie McCarthy/Kristina Minor (ILL) 8-4
Match Notes:
Illinois 12-11; National ranking #36
Tennessee 15-9; National ranking #25
Order of finish: Doubles (2,3); Singles (3,6,4