March 30, 2012
Box Score
MADISON, Wis. - The 21st-ranked Fighting Illini women's tennis team (11-5, 3-1 Big Ten) secured its fifth shutout this season with a 7-0 win over Wisconsin (10-6, 1-3) Friday evening at Nielsen Tennis Stadium. The victory is Illinois' fifth straight, marking its longest winning streak this year.
"Assistant coach Georgia (Rose) and I are once again impressed with the resiliency of our team competing in rather cold conditions out there today," Illini head coach Michelle Dasso said. "We feel we are one of the most prepared and toughest teams when playing in these types of conditions. The fight and composure in our third sets were very impressive."
The Illini grabbed an early 1-0 lead, sweeping doubles for the fifth time this season. Redshirt senior Marisa Lambropoulos and freshman Melissa Kopinski led off with an 8-5 win at the No. 1 spot, while senior Chelcie Abajian and sopohomore Allison Falkin teamed up for an 8-4 win at No. 3 to secure the point for the Orange and Blue. Senior Amy Allin and junior Rachael White added an 8-7(6) victory at the No. 2 position.
The Illini continued to dominate in singles play, going 6-0 against the Badgers. No. 124 Kopinski captured a quick 6-2, 6-2 win over Nicky Stracar at the No. 2 spot, marking her team-leading 17th victory this season and seventh straight. Sophomore Misia Kedzierski downed Angela Chupa, 6-3, 6-0, at No. 6, while Allin clinched the team victory with a 7-6, 6-1 win over Sarah Loebel at No. 4. White, Falkin and Lambropoulos each added three-set victories at Nos. 5, 1 and 3, respectively, to complete the Orange and Blue sweep.
The Illini will return to action Sunday at Noon to take on the 32nd-ranked Golden Gophers in Minneapolis, Minn.
SINGLES
1.) Allison Falkin (ILL) def. Alaina Trgovich (UW), 6-0, 3-6, 6-4
2.) #124 Melissa Kopinski (ILL) def. Nicky Stracar (UW), 6-2, 6-2
3.) Marisa Lambropoulos (ILL)def. Hannah Berner (UW), 3-6, 6-3, 7-5
4.) Amy Allin (ILL) def. Sarah Loebel (UW), 7-6, 6-1
5.) Rachael White (ILL)def. Nova Patel (UW), 6-2, 5-7, 6-1
6.) Misia Kedzierski (ILL) def. Angela Chupa (UW), 6-3, 6-0
DOUBLES
1.). Marisa Lambropoulos/Melissa Kopinski (ILL) def. Hannah Berner/ Alaina Trgovich (UW), 8-5
2.) Amy Allin/Rachael White (ILL) def. Nicky Stracar/ Nova Patel (UW), 8-7 (6)
3.) Chelcie Abajian/Allison Falkin (ILL) def. Angela Chupa/ Aleksandra Markovic (UW), 8-4
Order of finish: Doubles (1,3,2); Singles (2,6,4,5,1,3)
