Oct. 20, 2011

Results

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Senior Chelcie Abajian, junior Breanne Smutko and freshman Julia Jamieson each captured straight-set victories on Thursday to advance to the final qualifying round of the USTA/ITA Midwest Regional, hosted by Ohio State. The Illini trio will vie for three of the final eight qualifying spots tomorrow and a chance to join seniors Amy Allin and Marisa Lambropoulos, junior Rachael White, sophomore Allison Falkin and freshman Melissa Kopinski in the tournament's main draw.

"It was awesome to see Chelcie and Breanne back in competition," Illini head coach Michelle Dasso said. "Breanne is an extremely talented tennis player, and the growth she has made mentally and physically since last year was apparent today. She has turned some of her weaknesses into strengths, which only comes through hard work and the right mindset. Chelcie played solid particularly since it was her first singles match in seven months. Julia's improved consistency and shot selection continue to impress me with each match she plays."

Smutko, the top-seeded player of the qualifying rounds, took a quick 6-2, 6-1 victory over Eastern Illinois' Janelle Prisner, while teammate Abajian was almost equally efficient, taking down Cleveland State's Kara Sherwood, 6-2, 6-2. Meanwhile, newcomer Julia Jamieson breezed through her opening match as well, securing a convincing 6-1, 6-0 win over Mary Hill of Bowling Green.

The Illini will return to action tomorrow at 8 a.m. CT for the final round of qualifying, followed by the opening round of the main doubles draw at 1 p.m. CT.

Results and recap will be available at fightingillini.com. Live scoring for the main draw will be available .

USTA/ITA Midwest Regional Qualifying - Illini Results
Breanne Smutko (Illinois) def. Janelle Prisner (Eastern Illinois), 6-2, 6-1
Chelcie Abajian (Illinois) def. Kara Sherwood (Cleveland State), 6-2, 6-2
Julia Jamieson (Illinois) def. Mary Hill (Bowling Green), 6-1, 6-0