Jan. 3, 2012

RESULTS

PHOENIX, Ariz. - Recent Illini signee Jared Hiltzik took home the singles title and teamed up with fellow future Illini Alex Jesse to take third in doubles action at the United States Tennis Association Winter National Championships on Jan. 2 at the Phoenix Tennis Center. Hiltzik and Jesse will both join the Illini men's tennis squad next fall.

"We knew that one of Jared's goals was to win this tournament," Illini head coach Brad Dancer said. "It was a great job by him to go out and work his tail off to prepare for this moment. He did a great job of staying clear and focused the entire time."

In singles play, second-seeded Hiltzik won five of his six matches in straight sets, taking down three seeded opponents en route to the tournament title. The Illini-to-be cruised through the final round, finishing off top-seeded Kristofer Yee, 6-2, 6-3, to earn the gold ball.

"I have been working so hard lately," Hiltzik said. "Winning this tournament really showed me that hard work can pay off. I have really gotten on the correct path with the help of Brad, (associate head coach) Marcos (Asse) and my coach Billy Heiser. Of course Alex and I would have preferred to get first in doubles, but this is only our second time playing together, so I think we did pretty well. It was a great experience for both of us being in unfamiliar territory, and we can grow from it in the future."

In doubles action, Hiltzik and Jesse paired up to win five matches - four in straight sets - to claim the bronze ball with a third-place finish.

"They decided to play together to see if they could be a tandem next year as freshmen," Dancer said. "This was a good next step before they finish out this year. I look forward to seeing the additional progress they make before coming to Illinois this fall."