Sept. 16, 2012

Box Score

Results

CARY, N.C. - Fighting Illini senior Rachael White and sophomore Melissa Kopinski captured straight-set victories Sunday in their final singles matches of the Duke Fab Four Invitational, ending their first tournament of the season on a high note.

"The girls looked very prepared and ready to go from the get go this tournament, which is a huge compliment to them, particularly because it is so early on in our playing and practice season," head coach Michelle Dasso said. "They both adjusted incredibly well, having to play indoors today due to rain. We talked about individual goals entering into this tournament, and both players met them, which was an excellent way to start off the year."

Kopinski cruised to a quick 6-4, 6-0 win over Miami's Kelsey Laurente, marking her third singles win of the tournament. Overall, the Palos Hills, Ill., native went 3-1 in singles and 2-1 in doubles.

Meanwhile, White claimed a 6-1, 7-6(1) victory over Furman's Michele Stanford to finish 2-2 in singles play.

"Rachael showed a ton of growth, maturity and understanding in her game as the weekend progressed," Dasso said. "That is exactly what these fall tournaments are all about."

The Orange and Blue will be back in action for the pre-qualifying rounds of the Riviera/ITA All-American Championships, Sept. 29-30, in Westwood, Calif.

Illini Results
Singles
Rachael White (ILL) def. Michele Stanford (FUR), 6-1, 7-6(1)
Melissa Kopinski (ILL) def. Kelsey Laurente, (MIAMI) 6-4, 6-0