Results

Printable Results | Dancer Post-Match Interview | Guignon Post-Match Interview

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - In a matchup of first-place Big Ten teams, the Fighting Illini men's tennis team swept No. 11 Ohio State, 4-0, Sunday afternoon inside Atkins Tennis Center. With the victory, No. 3 Illinois snapped the Buckeyes' 97-straight regular season Big Ten winning streak that dated back to 2005. The Orange and Blue move 17-3 overall and 5-0 in the Big Ten.

"First, it's a ridiculous stat by coach Tucker and their team. It's a remarkable accomplishment that they have been able to do this," head coach Brad Dancer said. "I'm thrilled for our guys. You always know you're going to get your best when you play Ohio State and I'm just happy and proud for today."

The Illini took the early lead by handing Ohio State their fifth doubles loss of the season. Aron Hiltzik and Ross Guignon got off to a fast start with an early break and held on to win 8-5 on court two over No. 55 Callahan/Diaz. The Illini clinched the doubles point on court three, as Farris Gosea and Aleks Vukic defeated No. 74 Pollanen/Torpegaard 8-5.

The Illini kept the momentum going into singles with first set wins on courts one, two, three and five. No. 50 Aleks Vukic claimed the first singles point, making quick work of No. 83 Ralf Steinbach 6-2, 6-1. With the win, Vukic extended his winning streak to 11 matches.

No. 22 Jared Hiltzik garnered the next point for Illinois with a win on court one. Hiltzik topped No. 32 Mikal Torpegaard 6-2, 6-4. The clincher came on court three for the Illini, as No. 42 Tim Kopinski won the last four games of the second set to secure a 6-1, 6-3 victory over Hunter Callahan.

As play was stopped, No. 64 Farris Gosea was up 6-2, 4-3 against No. 44 Chris Diaz on court two.

The Fighting Illini secured their second win over Ohio State this season. Illinois defeated the Buckeyes 4-2 in Chicago at the ITA National Indoor Championships on Feb. 15. The two wins are the program's first over Ohio State since they defeated the Buckeyes in the 2012 Big Ten Championship.

Up next, the Fighting Illini will embark on a weekend road trip to Michigan. Illinois will face Michigan State on April 4 at 11 a.m. CT and Michigan on April 5 at 11 a.m. CT.

Full results from today's match can be found below.

Singles
1. #22 Jared Hiltzik (ILL) def. #32 Mikal Torpegaard (OSU) 6-2, 6-4
2. #64 Farris Gosea (ILL) vs. #44 Chris Diaz (OSU) 6-2, 4-3, unfinished
3. #42 Tim Kopinski (ILL) def. Hunter Callahan (OSU) 6-1, 6-3
4. #52 Aron Hiltzik (ILL) vs. Kevin Metka (OSU) 6-7 (1-7), 2-1, unfinished
5. #50 Aleks Vukic (ILL) def. #83 Ralf Steinbach (OSU) 6-2, 6-1
6. Toshiki Matsuya (ILL) vs. Matt Mendez (OSU) 0-6, 2-5, unfinished

Doubles
1. #75 Jared Hiltzik/Tim Kopinski (ILL) vs. #5 Kevin Metka/Ralf Steinbach (OSU) 7-7, unfinished
2. Aron Hiltzik/Ross Guignon (ILL) def. #55 Hunter Callahan/Chris Diaz (OSU) 8-5
3. Farris Gosea/Aleks Vukic (ILL) def. #74 Mikal Torpegaard/Herkko Pollanen (OSU) 8-5