Tulsa, Okla. - Fighting Illini men's tennis athletes Jared Hiltzik and Aleks Vukic advanced to the Round of 32 in the NCAA Singles Championships Wednesday. The No. 4 seeded Vukic advanced with a straight set victory over Julian Cash (Oklahoma State), while Hiltzik took out Piotr Lomacki (Miami (FL)) in three sets.  

No. 4 Vukic cruised to a 6-2, 6-4 win over No. 56 Cash to advance in his first appearance in the NCAA singles tournament. No. 16 Hiltzik defeated No. 43 Lomacki by the scores of 4-6, 7-6(2), 6-0 to earn his third trip to the second round. 

"It was good to get the win, especially with the first match being the toughest and in these conditions," Vukic said. "I'm glad I get to face another challenge tomorrow." 

Weather conditions at the Michael D. Case Tennis Center registered temperatures that averaged 85 degrees and wind gusts averaging 19 m.p.h. during today's matches.

Vukic will continue his tournament run Thursday at 9 a.m. CT against Rishab Argawal of Mississippi State. No. 54 Argawal defeated No. 109 Jack Findel-Hawkins (North Florida) in three sets by the scores of 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(1). 

"Vuki did an outstanding job this morning of focusing and dialing in under the circumstances," head coach Brad Dancer said. "He showed great concentration, moved well, prepared well. Happy for him to move on and I know he'll have another great challenge in the next match."

Hiltzik will take on No. 52 Shane Vinsant of Texas A&M Thursday at 11:30 a.m. CT. Vinsant upset the No. 7 seeded Christopher Eubanks (Georgia Tech) by the scores of 6-4, 4-6, 6-4. 

"Great job by Jared keeping himself composed against a very good Lomacki," Dancer said. "Jared has played doubles with him before, so he knew what level player he is. It felt a bit like survive and advance and the guys were able to do that today." 

"I'm really happy to the win," Hiltzik said. "Tough conditions but I felt like I fought through it."