Jan. 19, 2010

GRAND BLANC, Mich. - Illini women's tennis recruit Allison Falkin, who signed a national letter of intent with Illinois this past November, was the winner of the Midwest Winter Championships Jan. 16-18 in Grand Blanc, Mich. The Roswell, Ga., native claimed five straight matches en route to the Girls' 18 Singles title.

"Allison had a great showing this weekend against some very strong competition," head coach Michelle Dasso said. "Her competitiveness and drive are just a few of the strengths of our future Illini."

As the fourth seed, Falkin lost just one set on the weekend, as she eliminated top-seeded Nida Hamilton, 7-5, 6-0 in the semifinals and rallied back to defeat second-seeded Hanna Mar, 6-7 (4), 7-5, 6-1 in the championship.

Results
Round of 32-Falkin (4) d. Katarina Lingl, 6-2, 6-1
Round of 16-Falkin (4) d. Leah Pascarella, 6-0, 6-4
Quarterfinals-Falkin (4) d. Julia Fellerhoff (6), 6-3, 6-3
Semifinals-Falkin (4) d. Nida Hamilton (1), 7-5, 6-0
Finals-Falkin (4) d. Hanna Mar (2), 6-7 (4), 7-5, 6-1