Feb. 3, 2012

Box Score

Box Score

URBANA, Ill. - The University of Illinois women's tennis team (5-1) captured a 6-1 victory over SMU (0-1) Friday night at Atkins Tennis Center, marking its third-straight home win in 2012. The Illini have dropped only one singles match while playing in front of their home crowd this spring.

"It was such an exciting atmosphere out there," Illini head coach Michelle Dasso said. "We're just so appreciative of the community and student support. To be able to play in front of that crowd in this type of atmosphere with great support was a highlight of the day for me and was so special for the girls."

The Orange and Blue started strong, going 3-0 in doubles play to carry a 1-0 lead into singles action for the fifth time this season. The No. 27-ranked duo of senior Chelcie Abajian and junior Breanne Smutko cruised to a quick 8-3 victory at the No. 3 spot, followed by an 8-2 win from junior Rachael White and sophomore Allison Falkin at No. 2 to clinch the doubles point for the Illini. Senior Marisa Lambropoulos and freshman Melissa Kopinski picked up a doubles victory as well.

The Illini were equally dominant in singles play, winning the first five completed matches in straight sets. Senior Amy Allin breezed through her No. 4 singles match, 6-1, 6-1, before Falkin picked up a 6-1, 6-0 win at the No. 2 spot, allowing Kopinski to clinch the win for the Orange and Blue with a convincing 6-0, 6-0 victory at No. 3.

Sophomore Misia Kedzierski and White were also solid, capturing quick victories over their opponents, while Lambropoulos came up just short in a 5-7, 7-5, (10-7) thriller, falling in the super tiebreaker at the No. 1 spot.

"We didn't get nervous and didn't look back," Dasso said. "We just took care of business. With every match, we're going to learn and gain more confidence moving forward, especially when we're getting it done pretty decisively out there like we have at home so far."

The Orange and Blue will return to action Sunday, Feb. 19 to take on Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind.

Singles
1. Edyta Cieplucha (SMU) def. Marisa Lambropoulos (ILL) 5-7, 7-5, 10-7
2. Allison Falkin (ILL) def. Heather Steinbauer (SMU) 6-1, 6-0
3. Melissa Kopinski (ILL) def. Elena Fayner (SMU) 6-0, 6-0
4. Amy Allin (ILL) def. Kris Roberts (SMU) 6-1, 6-1
5. Rachael White (ILL) def. Perri Anderson (SMU) 6-2, 6-0
6. Misia Kedzierski (ILL) def. Erika Marschall (SMU) 6-1, 6-4

Doubles
1. Rachael White/Allison Falkin (ILL) def. Edyta Cieplucha/Heather Steinbauer (SMU) 8-2
2. Marisa Lambropoulos/Melissa Kopinski (ILL) def. Ashley Turpin/Elena Fayner (SMU) 8-3
3. #27 Breanne Smutko/Chelcie Abajian (ILL) def. Perri Anderson/Kris Roberts (SMU) 8-3

Order of finish: Doubles (3,1,2); Singles (4,2,3,5,6,1)