April 13, 2012

Box Score

URBANA, Ill. - The 23rd-ranked Fighting Illini women's tennis team (14-6, 6-2 Big Ten) captured a 4-3 victory over Ohio State (8-13, 3-5) Friday night at Atkins Tennis Center. Freshman Melissa Kopinski clinched the win, while sophomore Allison Falkin and senior Amy Allin also won in singles action.

"We knew it was going to be a battle," Illini head coach Michelle Dasso said. "Getting that doubles point really set the tone and gave us the extra spark and confidence boost going into singles. I think it was huge for Falkin and Kopinski to get those close first sets. If they don't get those close first sets, that changes the dynamics of the match quite a bit."

The Illini took an early 1-0 lead, capturing the doubles point for the fifth time in their last six contests. Senior Chelcie Abajian and Falkin led off with an 8-3 win over Fidan Manashirova and Kelsey Becker at the No. 3 spot, while 57th-ranked pairing Kopinski and redshirt senior Marisa Lambropoulos clinched the point with an 8-5 decision over Kelsey Haviland and Gabby Steele at No. 1 doubles, marking their team-leading 10th win of the dual season.

The Illini dropped the first completed singles match on court six but bounced back to claim the next two contests. No. 119 Falkin finished second with a 7-5, 6-1 win over Haviland at the top spot, followed by Allin, who downed Kelsey Dieters, 6-3, 6-4 at the No. 4 spot. The Orange and Blue lost the match on court 5 before Kopinski sealed the Illinois win with a 7-6(5), 6-2 decision over Kara Cecil on court two.

"I'm proud of my girls," Dasso said. "They should take a lot of confidence away from today because they beat a very good team. We just have to take care of our bodies and get ready for another tough match against Penn State."

The Orange and Blue will return to action on Sunday at Atkins Tennis Center to host the Nittany Lions at 10 a.m.

SINGLES
1. #119 Allison Falkin (ILL) def. Kelsey Haviland (OSU) 7-5, 6-1
2. Melissa Kopinski (ILL) def. Kara Cecil (OSU) 7-6 (7-5), 6-2
3. Fidan Manashirova (OSU) def. Marisa Lambropoulos (ILL) 2-6, 7-6 (8-6), 1-0 (10-6)
4. Amy Allin (ILL) def. Kelsey Dieters (OSU) 6-3, 6-4
5. Gabby Steele (OSU) def. Rachael White (ILL) 6-3, 6-3
6. Tiffany Dittmer (OSU) def. Misia Kedzierski (ILL) 7-5, 6-1

DOUBLES
1. #57 Melissa Kopinski/Marisa Lambropoulos (ILL) def. Kelsey Haviland/Gabby Steele (OSU) 8-5
2. Kara Cecil/Kelsey Dieters (OSU) def. Rachael White/Amy Allin (ILL) 9-8 (7-5)
3. Allison Falkin/Chelcie Abajian (ILL) def. Fidan Manashirova/Kelsey Becker (OSU) 8-3

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