Jan. 15, 2009

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The No. 37 Illinois women's tennis team will head to its final non-dual competition of the year when it travels to the Florida Gulf Coast University / Johan Kriek Classic in Fort Myers, Fla., Jan. 16-19. The field includes competitors from Akron, Central Florida, No. 37 Illinois, Missouri, Stetson, No. 43 South Florida and Florida Gulf Coast University.

"This training week in Florida provides a valuable opportunity to get many quality matches in against teams we typically don't compete against during season," head coach Michelle Dasso said. "The team has had a long break and couldn't be more excited to be back together. A week of outdoor play will also help us prepare for the ITA kick-off when we travel to Stanford at the end of the month."

A full recap of the tournament can be found on Monday at fightingillini.com. Livestats will not be available, but daily results can be found at fgcuathletics.com.

ILLINOIS PARTICULARS
In the first Intercollegiate Tennis Association rankings of the season, the Illini debuted at No. 37. Sophomore Leigh Finnegan also garnered singles recognition, earning a No. 89 ranking after going 4-2 in tournament action this fall.

Regional rankings also recognized the Illini in singles with Finnegan leading the way at No. 7 in the Midwest, followed by freshman Chelcie Abajian at No. 12 and junior Megan Fudge at No. 22.

UP NEXT
The Fighting Illini open up their dual match schedule at home at the Atkins Tennis Center when they welcome No. 24 Tennessee on Saturday, Jan. 24 and Miami of Ohio on Sunday, Jan. 25. Both matches are slated for 12 p.m. starts.