Red-Hot Illini Sweep Spartans, 7-0

Women's Tennis April 18, 2009

Red-Hot Illini Sweep Spartans, 7-0

April 18, 2009

URBANA, Ill. - The No. 33 Fighting Illini Women's tennis team was unstoppable against the Michigan State Spartans this afternoon at the Khan Outdoor Tennis Complex, taking a 7-0 sweep. Illinois began by the day by grabbing the doubles point to capture an early lead, and did not drop a set in singles in their eight conference win of the season. The Illini are set to battle for second place in the conference on Sunday, April 19 against the Michigan Wolverines at 12 p.m. CT at home.

"I think we started off a little sluggish in the doubles and that can't happen tomorrow," Illinois head coach Michelle Dasso said. "I was happy with the way we responded from start to finish in the singles. Anytime you sweep another Big Ten team it builds some confidence and we are ready and prepared for tomorrow. We're going to give it everything we have and we're going to go out there and play with some energy and let what happens happen."

With the win, Illinois improves to 17-5 overall and 8-1 in the Big Ten, while Michigan State drops to 8-13 overall and 1-7 in the Big Ten.

"It doesn't get much more exciting than this, playing for the second spot in the Big Ten," Dasso added. "Playing at home, I can't emphasize it enough that we hope as many fans as possible can come and pack Atkins if it's raining or the Khan Complex if the weather cooperates."

The Illini started off slow in doubles trailing early in all three matches. But the No. 2 doubles duo of Megan Fudge and Marisa Lambropoulos got things back on track for Illinois with an 8-4 win over the Michigan State tandem of Ana Milosavljevic and Elena Ivanova. At No. 1 doubles, Illinois' Leigh Finnegan and Chelsie Abajian were down early 2-4, but struck back to an 8-6 victory to claim the doubles point. The Illinois' No. 3 doubles team of Amy Allin and Annie McCarthy also started their match down 2-4, but they also rallied back for an 8-6 win that wrapped up the doubles sweep for the Illini.

No. 75-ranked Fudge began the singles sweep for the Illini with a convincing 6-1, 6-0 win over Spartan Ana Milosavljevic on court 2. Next to finish was Illinois senior Shivani Dave on court 6 in a straight-sets victory of 6-0, 6-3 over Michigan State sophomore Lindsey Lonergan.

At No. 1 singles, No. 99-ranked Finnegan clinched the win for Illinois defeating Michigan State's Stephanie Kebler, 6-3, 6-2.

Next to finish was freshman Amy Allin with a commanding 6-3, 6-2 triumph over the Spartans Whitney Wilson. Finishing up the sweep was fellow freshman Chelcie Abajian with a 6-3, 7-6 (7-4) win over Elena Ivanova at No. 3 singles.

The Orange and Blue are back in action tomorrow against the No. 18 Michigan Wolverines at 12 p.m. CT at the Khan Outdoor Tennis Complex. Lone Senior Shivani Dave will be recognized at her final home match of her career. Livescoring will be available at fightingillini.com.

Match Results
#33 Illinois 7, Michigan State 0
April 18, 2009 (Urbana, Ill.)
Khan Outdoor Tennis Complex

Singles
1. #99 Leigh Finnegan (ILL) def. Stephanie Kebler (MSU) 6-3, 6-2
2. #75 Megan Fudge (ILL) def. Ana Milosavljevic (MSU) 6-1, 6-0
3. Chelcie Abajian (ILL) def. Elena Ivanova (MSU) 6-3, 7-6 (7-4)
4. Marisa Lambropoulos (ILL) def. Dana Guentert (MSU) 6-3, 6-2
5. Amy Allin (ILL) def. Whitney Wilson (MSU) 6-3, 6-2
6. Shivani Dave (ILL) def. Lindsey Lonergan (MSU) 6-0, 6-3

Doubles
1. Chelcie Abajian/Leigh Finnegan (ILL) def. Stephanie Kebler/Whitney Wilson (MSU) 8-6
2. Megan Fudge/Marisa Lambropoulos (ILL) def. Ana Milosavljevic/Elena Ivanova (MSU) 8-4
3. Amy Allin/Annie McCarthy (ILL) def. Dana Guentert/Lindsey Lonergan (MSU) 8-6
Match Notes
Michigan State University 8-13, 1-7
University of Illinois 17-5, 8-1; National ranking #33
Order of finish: Doubles (2,1,3); Singles (2,6,1,4,5,3)