Results | Printable Results | J. Hiltzik Post-Match Interview | Dancer Post-Match Interview

URBANA, Ill. - The Fighting Illini men's tennis team swept Kentucky Friday night inside Atkins Tennis Center. With the 7-0 victory over the Wildcats, No. 5 Illinois moves to 5-1 on the season.

The Illini got back on the winning track in doubles, taking an early lead over the Wildcats. Blake Bazarnik and Brian Page teamed up and delivered a 6-3 win over Yates/Ellefsen on court three. The Illini secured the doubles point when Jared Hiltzik and Farris Gosea defeated Lopez/Bushamuka 6-3 on court two. No. 3 Ross Guignon and Tim Kopinski were up 5-3 on court one when play stopped.

The Illini continued the fast start in singles play, as Illinois claimed the first set in five matches. Junior Jared Hiltzik took the first singles victory with a win over No. 92 Beck Pennington in straight sets (6-4, 6-4). No. 31 Hiltzik moves to 6-0 to start the season.

Freshmen Toshiki Matsuya garnered the next point with a 7-6(6), 6-3 victory over Trey Yates on court five. The clincher came from No. 44 Aleks Vukic on court four. Vukic defeated Kevin Lai 3-6, 6-3, 6-3.

Deciding to finish out the remaining matches, Blake Bazarnik made quick work of Nils Ellefsen in the third set to claim a 7-6(3), 6-7(5), 6-0 victory on court six. No. 40 Tim Kopinski added a victory on court three over William Bushamuka, 7-6(6), 3-6, 6-2.

No. 62 Aron Hiltzik secured the sweep with a hard fought 6-2, 7-6(6), 7-6(6) win on court two over Jerry Lopez.

Up next, the Orange and Blue will travel to West Lafayette, Indiana, Saturday to face Purdue at 5 p.m. CT in their first conference match of the season.