Illini Edged at Ohio State, 4-3

Women's Tennis March 27, 2011

Illini Edged at Ohio State, 4-3

March 27, 2011

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Illini women's tennis team (4-8, 1-1 Big Ten) dropped a heartbreaker at Ohio State (10-7, 3-0) Sunday afternoon, as the Buckeyes held on to claim a 4-3 win. After falling behind 1-0 after doubles, Illinois stormed back in singles to take a 3-1 advantage, but Ohio State held off the Illini in the final three matches for the victory.

"I feel like a broken record, but until we have a team full of competitors at every position this team isn't going to be where we want it to be," head coach Michelle Dasso said. "I'm extremely proud of Amy Allin, who is an exemplary example of the Fighting Illini spirit. I also have a great deal of respect for Rachael White, who was feeling under the weather but never complained or let her opponent see that. Chelcie (Abajian) also stepped up and played with the confidence in both doubles and singles that I know she's capable of, which was great to see again. Every match we face in the Big Ten this year is going to be an absolute battle and the outcome is going to depend on who wants it more. Today, Ohio State deserved to beat us."

Junior Amy Allin recorded her team-best 16th win of the season and second at the No. 1 spot with a 6-1, 6-4 defeat of Kelsey Haviland, while No. 98 sophomore Rachael White was victorious at the No. 2 spot over Gabby Steele, 6-4, 7-5, and junior Chelcie Abajian knocked off Fidan Manashirova, 6-3, 6-1. Allin and White also picked up an 8-6 win at the top spot in doubles over Kelsey Haviland and Cami Hubbs.

Illinois returns home next weekend to host Purdue (April 2) and Indiana (April 3) at Atkins Tennis Center.

Match Results
#71 Ohio State 4, Illinois 3

Singles competition
1. Amy Allin (ILL) def. Kelsey Haviland (OSU) 6-1, 6-4
2. #98 Rachael White (ILL) def. Gabby Steele (OSU) 6-4, 7-5
3. Kara Cecil (OSU) def. #117 Breanne Smutko (ILL) 0-6, 6-1, 6-1
4. Chelcie Abajian (ILL) def. Fidan Manashirova (OSU) 6-3, 6-1
5. Cami Hubbs (OSU) def. Allison Falkin (ILL) 6-4, 7-5
6. Noelle Malley (OSU) def. Leigh Finnegan (ILL) 6-4, 6-2

Doubles competition
1. Rachael White/Amy Allin (ILL) def. Kelsey Haviland/Cami Hubbs (OSU) 8-6
2. Kara Cecil/Noelle Malley (OSU) def. Allison Falkin/Chelcie Abajian (ILL) 8-3
3. Gabby Steele/Fidan Manashirova (OSU) def. Breanne Smutko/Annie McCarthy (ILL) 8-3