April 10, 2009
Box Score
COLUMBUS, Ohio - The No. 36-ranked Illinois women's tennis team continued their strong start to the conference season, taking a decisive 5-2 victory over the 43rd-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes this afternoon at the Ohio State Varsity Tennis Center in Columbus, Ohio. After falling early in doubles, the Illini bounced back with five singles victories, with four out of the five matches decided in third set triumphs.
With the win, Illinois improves to 15-5 overall and 6-1 in the Big Ten, while the Buckeyes drop to 12-8 overall and 5-2 in the conference. In the battle between the third and fourth place teams in the conference, Illinois prevailed, maintaining their third place spot in the Big Ten standings.
"This was one of the most intense, dramatic and exciting college tennis matches that I've ever been a part of," Illinois head coach Michelle Dasso said. "Our girls played with so much heart and guts. It was a complete team effort to battle back on the road after losing the doubles point and I couldn't be more proud of them. Matches like today's are why I enjoy coaching so much."
Starting out the match in doubles, Ohio State grabbed victories at No. 1 and 3 to secure the early 1-0. The Illini tandem of Megan Fudge and Marisa Lambropoulos tallied a win at No. 2 doubles, edging out the Buckeyes' Cami Hubbs and Julie Blackmore, 8-6.
Ohio State got on board first in singles with a win on court four. That would be their last point on the afternoon as the Illini were focused on the victory notching wins on the remaining five singles courts.
Freshman Chelcie Abajian got the ball rolling for the Illini as she took a straight sets win over the Ohio State's Cami Hubbs, 6-2, 6-4 at No. 3 singles. Abajian is now 23-15 overall in her debut season for the Orange and Blue.
At No. 1 singles, No. 108-ranked Illinois junior Megan Fudge continued her outstanding dual match play, with a win on court one. After dropping her first set, 6-2 to Ohio State's Kirsten Flower, Fudge regrouped taking the second set, 6-4, before bageling Flower (OSU) in the third and deciding set for the victory.
Illini freshman Amy Allin, was next to strike at No. 5 singles. Allin tallied a three-set win over Ohio State's Angela DiPastina, 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (5), inching the Illini closer to victory.
The match-clinching win came at No. 2 singles where No. 111-ranked Illinois redshirt-sophomore Leigh Finnegan battled to victory over the Buckeyes' Paloma Escobedo. Finnegan got off to early lead with a 6-4 victory in the first set. Escobedo (OSU) took the second set, before Finnegan polished off the Buckeye 6-3 in the third and final set for the win.
At No. 6 singles, Illinois junior Kristina Minor put the finishing touches on the match, taking a 2-6, 7-6 (8), 6-3, over Ohio State's Julie Blackmore.
The Illini continue their road swing, traveling to conference foe Penn State on Sunday, April 12 at 10 am CT. A full recap of the action can be found at fightingillini.com at the conclusion of play.
Match Results
Illinois vs. Ohio State
Apr 10, 2009 at Columbus, Ohio
(The Ohio State Varsity Tennis Center)
#36 Illinois 5, #43 Ohio State 2
Singles competition
1. #108 Megan Fudge (ILL) def. Kirsten Flower (OSU) 2-6, 6-4, 6-0
2. #111 Leigh Finnegan (ILL) def. Paloma Escobedo (OSU) 6-4, 5-7, 6-3
3. Chelcie Abajian (ILL) def. Cami Hubbs (OSU) 6-2, 6-4
4. Christina Keesey (OSU) def. Marisa Lambropoulos (ILL) 6-2, 6-0
5. Amy Allin (ILL) def. Angela DiPastina (OSU) 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (7-5)
6. Kristina Minor (ILL) def. Julie Blackmore (OSU) 2-6, 7-6 (10-8), 6-3
Doubles competition
1. Angela DiPastina/Christina Keesey (OSU) def. Chelcie Abajian/Leigh Finnegan (ILL) 8-6
2. Megan Fudge/Marisa Lambropoulos (ILL) def. Cami Hubbs/Julie Blackmore (OSU) 8-6
3. Kirsten Flower/Paloma Escobedo (OSU) def. Annie McCarthy/Amy Allin (ILL) 8-5
Match Notes:
Illinois 15-5, (6-1 Big Ten); National ranking #36
Ohio State 12-8 (5-2 Big Ten); National ranking #43
Order of finish: Doubles (3,1,2); Singles (4,3,1,5,2,6)
T-4:23 A-155
