April 17, 2010
Box Score
URBANA, Ill. - A marathon match of over five hours ended in favor of the 26th-ranked Illinois women's tennis team (12-7, 6-1 Big Ten) Saturday afternoon at the Khan Outdoor Tennis Complex, as the Illini rallied past Ohio State (16-7, 3-4), 4-3 for their ninth win in the last 10 matches and fifth straight overall. No. 90 senior Megan Fudge clinched the win with a thrilling three-set victory over No. 69 Kirsten Flower, 5-7, 6-4, 7-6 (6).
"Unbelievable effort tonight," head coach Michelle Dasso said. "If there's anyone we want on the court in that situation, it's Megan (Fudge). It pretty much sums up her career and couldn't have been more fitting for senior weekend. It was really an amazing effort overall. The girls are playing with a lot of confidence, passion and heart and were really able to rebound after losing the doubles point. It was our longest match of the year, but we have a quick turnaround and will come back out ready to go in the morning."
Highlighting doubles, despite losing the point, was the tandem of junior Marisa Lambropoulos and freshman Breanne Smutko who improved to 10-1 at No. 3 doubles with their 10-straight win of the year. Several winning streaks remained intact in singles as well, as sophomore Chelcie Abajian swiftly knocked off Fidan Manashirova, 6-1, 6-1 for her second consecutive win, followed by Smutko with her sixth straight victory as she defeated Christina Keesey, 6-3, 6-3.
Junior Leigh Finnegan picked up her fifth straight win and third point of the night for the Illini with a 6-2, 6-3 defeat of Gabby Steele, before the Buckeyes evened the score with wins at Nos. 2 and 3. Quite some time later, Fudge came up big when it counted, battling through the final two sets to complete the rally for her fifth straight win and team-best 21st of the season to seal the victory for the Illini.
Illinois returns to action Sunday at 11 a.m. to host Penn State in the final home match of the regular season at the Khan Outdoor Tennis Complex. Prior to the match, seniors Fudge, Kristina Minor and Christine Stromberg will be recognized for their efforts the past four seasons.
Match Results
#26 Illinois 4, #33 Ohio State 3
Singles competition
1. #90 Megan Fudge (ILL) def. #69 Kirsten Flower (OSU) 5-7, 6-4, 7-6 (8-6)
2. Paloma Escobedo (OSU) def. Marisa Lambropoulos (ILL) 6-2, 6-2
3. Kelsey Haviland (OSU) def. Rachael White (ILL) 6-1, 4-6, 6-3
4. Leigh Finnegan (ILL) def. Gabby Steele (OSU) 6-2, 6-3
5. Breanne Smutko (ILL) def. Christina Keesey (OSU) 6-3, 6-3
6. Chelcie Abajian (ILL) def. Fidan Manashirova (OSU) 6-1, 6-1
Doubles competition
1. Kelsey Haviland/Cami Hubbs (OSU) def. Chelcie Abajian/Rachael White (ILL) 8-4
2. Paloma Escobedo/Christina Keesey (OSU) def. #51 Leigh Finnegan/Megan Fudge (ILL) 8-3
3. Marisa Lambropoulos/Breanne Smutko (ILL) def. Gabby Steele/Fidan Manashirova (OSU) 8-6
Order of finish: Doubles (2,1,3); Singles (6,5,4,2,3,1)
