University of Illinois
Texas
Illini Take Down No. 9 Texas in 4-3 Upset
March 21, 2012 | Women's Tennis
March 21, 2012
AUSTIN, Texas - The Fighting Illini women's tennis team (8-5) pulled off a thrilling 4-3 upset over No. 9 Texas (9-5) Wednesday afternoon at Penick-Allison Tennis Center, marking its first victory over a top-25 opponent since 2010 and first win over a top-10 team since 2003. Freshman Melissa Kopinski led the Illini with wins in both doubles and singles action, while redshirt senior Marisa Lambropoulos clinched the Illinois victory for the second straight contest.
"I'm just really happy for the girls because they have worked so hard and deserve a taste of this success," Illini head coach Michelle Dasso said. "We capitalized on some big opportunities in Texas, and it was a total team effort. We realize we need to use the confidence we gained this week and be ready for two feisty Big Ten opponents this weekend."
The Illini got off to a strong start once again, capturing their second straight doubles points to take a 1-0 lead over the Longhorns. Kopinski and junior Rachael White teamed up for the first time in a dual setting, downing 23rd-ranked duo Lina Padegimaite and Noel Scott, 8-4, at the No. 1 spot. Senior tandem Amy Allin and Marisa Lambropoulos came up just short in a 9-8(6) battle at the No. 2 spot, leaving the doubles decision in the hands of senior Chelcie Abajian and sophomore Allison Falkin, who clinched the point for Illinois with an 8-6 victory over Elizabeth Begley and Juliana Gajic at No. 3.
The success continued for the Orange and Blue in singles action, as the Illini captured three of the first four completed matches to secure the dual win. Junior Breanne Smutko cruised to a 6-0, 6-0 win over Alex Martin at the No. 6 spot, while Kopinski added a convincing 6-4, 6-4 victory over No. 122 Noel Scott at No. 2 singles, marking her team-leading 15th win of the season and fifth straight. Lambropoulos bounced back after dropping the first set to complete a 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 comeback over Cierra Gaytan-Leach, clinching the victory for the Orange and Blue.
The win marks Illinois' first victory over Texas in program history and its first win over a top-10 team since defeating No. 1 Duke on Feb. 23, 2003.
The Orange and Blue will return to Urbana this weekend for a two-match homestand, welcoming No. 25 Nebraska on Saturday and Iowa on Sunday. Both matches will begin at Noon at Atkins Tennis Center.
SINGLES
1. #75 Krista Damico (UT) def. #92 Allison Falkin (ILL) 6-2, 5-7, 6-4
2. Melissa Kopinski (ILL) def. #122 Noel Scott (UT) 6-4, 6-4
3. Marisa Lambropoulos (ILL) def. Cierra Gaytan-Leach (UT) 4-6, 6-4, 6-1
4. Lina Padegimaite (UT) def. Amy Allin (ILL) 6-1, 6-1
5. Elizabeth Begley (UT) def. Rachael White (ILL) 2-6, 6-1, 6-4
6. Breanne Smutko (ILL) def. Alex Martin (UT) 6-0, 6-0
DOUBLES
1. Melissa Kopinski/Rachael White (ILL) def. #23 Lina Padegimaite/Noel Scott (UT) 8-4
2. Krista Damico/Cierra Gaytan-Leach (UT) def. Amy Allin/Marisa Lambropoulos (ILL) 9-8(6)
3. Allison Falkin/Chelcie Abajian (ILL) def. Elizabeth Begley/Juliana Gajic (UT) 8-6
Order of finish: Doubles (1,2,3); Singles (6,4,2,3,5,1)
