June 18, 2009

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Since her arrival on campus three short years ago, head coach Michelle Dasso has set high goals for the Illinois women's tennis team. The team responded in impressive fashion in 2009, accomplishing its goal of not only making the NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive year, but also winning its first round match against the 19th-ranked Vanderbilt Commodores, with a thrilling 4-3 finish. The win over the Commodores gave Illinois its first win over a Top-20 opponent in five years. The upset victory was even more special as the Illini got to achieve their goal in front of the home crowd, after being chosen to host an NCAA regional for the second time in the history of the program. The event also made history, as both the Illinois men's and women's tennis teams hosted a joint NCAA regional at the Khan Outdoor Tennis Complex.

Throughout the road to the NCAA regional, the Illini continued to make a name for themselves on the national scene. Over the course of the season, the Illini collected 19 wins, the most for the squad in 18 seasons, and continued their climb up the charts, finishing at No. 33 in the final ITA team standings. The Fighting Illini enjoyed a successful conference season, as well. The squad finished with an 8-2 conference record, claiming third place in the final regular season standings to No. 1 Northwestern and No. 18 Michigan. At the Big Ten Tournament, the Orange and Blue advanced to the semifinals for the second-straight year, before a heartbreaking loss to Michigan.

At the annual Big Ten Tournament banquet, junior Megan Fudge received All-Big Ten honors for the third straight season, while redshirt-sophomore Leigh Finnegan garnered All-Big Ten honors for the first time in her Illini career.

Fudge was virtually unstoppable seeing action at No. 1 and 2 singles throughout the season. The Kaarst, Germany native finished with an overall record of 30-7 and was 24-3 in dual matches. Her 30-win season placed her in a tie for fourth on the Illinois single season wins list. Fudge finished the season ranked No. 58 in the final ITA singles rankings.

Finnegan also had a standout year, racking up 21 wins for her first 20-plus win season at Illinois. The Wilmington, Del., native came in at No. 105 in the final singles rankings.