Sept. 27, 2008

MALIBU, Calif. - The Illinois tandem of junior Megan Fudge and sophomore Leigh Finnegan advanced to the second round of the 2008 Riviera/ ITA All-American Championships pre-qualifying doubles draw hosted by Pepperdine University. The Illini duo dominated Texas' Sarah Lancaster and Maggie Mello, 8-1, in the opening round today. Fudge and Finnegan will take on the Southern California duo of Maria Sanchez and Alison Ramos, in the second round on Sept. 28.

In the pre-qualifying singles draw, Finnegan battled hard in her first round matchup against Baylor's preseason No. 97 Jelena Stanivuk. However, it was not enough as Stanivuk prevailed 7-6 (3), 7-5.

"Megan and Leigh played some sensational doubles from start to finish this morning," Illinois head coach Michelle Dasso said. "Leigh is in the best shape and playing some of the best tennis she ever has as an Illini. She had three set points in the first set but couldn't quite capitalize. Much credit needs to be given to her opponent because Leigh made her earn the hard fought victory."

In the other Illinois singles match of the day, Fudge fell to NC State's Berkeley Brock in the first round, 6-2, 6-3.

"Megan never quite found her rhythm in singles today, which is very uncharacteristic," Dasso added. "However, she is the type of competitor that will use this loss to motivate her even more and there is no doubt in my mind she will be ready to go in her next tournament."

The Illini tandem will square off against the Trojans in the second round of the pre-qualifying doubles draw tomorrow, Sept. 28, at 11 a.m. CT. For continued coverage of the Illini at the ITA All-American Championships, visit Fightingillini.com, or the official tournament web site located at itatennis.com.