University of Illinois
RD16: [4] Aleks Vukic vs. Ronnie Schneider (UNC)
Aleks Vukic Advances to NCAA Singles Quarterfinals
May 27, 2016 | Men's Tennis
Three time All-American Jared Hiltzik's collegiate career comes to an end
NCAA Singles Draw | NCAA Championships Central
Tulsa, Okla. - Fighting Illini men's tennis sophomore Aleks Vukic advanced to the Quarterfinals of the NCAA Singles Championships Friday morning with a 6-4, 6-1 victory over No. 28 Ronnie Schneider of North Carolina. Illinois will be represented in the quarterfinals for the second consecutive season, as Jared Hiltzik also made a run to the quarterfinals in 2015.
The No. 4 seeded Vukic will square off against No. 9-16 seeded Joao Monteiro of Virginia Tech on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. CT. No. 14 Monteiro defeated reigning NCAA Singles Champion Ryan Shane (Virginia) in three sets (1-6, 7-5, 6-2) in the Round of 16. The Sydney, Australia, native looks to become the first Illini to advance to the NCAA Singles Semifinals since Kevin Anderson in 2007.
Vukic garnered a break in the first set to go up 4-3 over Schneider and held serve to claim the set 6-4. The sophomore set the tone early in the second set, breaking Schneider on the first point, and cruised to a 6-1 set win to clinch the match.
"It is always going be tough playing after yesterday's long match," Vukic said. "I feel as though I was able to touch base with more of my game today. I'm glad to move on."
"Vuki had another slow start today but was really able to kick it into another gear midway through the first set," head coach Brad Dancer said. "We all have so much respect for Ronnie that [Vukic] knew he would have to play better. He played very aggressive through the second set and now will have another great challenge tomorrow."
Senior Jared Hiltzik fell to No. 27 Petros Chrysochos of Wake Forest in three sets Friday afternoon, ending his career in the Orange and Blue. After winning the first set 6-4, No. 16 Hiltzik was up 4-1 in the second but lost the next five points to drop the second set 6-4. The Wilmette, Illinois, native was unable to bounce back from an early break in the third set, falling 6-3.
"Jared's match was a bit of a mystery. He put himself in a position to win but didn't play well down the stretch," Dancer said. "I know he's frustrated but he truly has had an incredible career. Tremendous winning at the toughest spots, and his love of the game and the enthusiasm he brings is excellent. We will always have him as an Illini and he definitely left the mark of his legacy.
Hiltzik wraps up his Illini career as a three time All-American and the eighth-winningest singles player in program history with 115 total victories.
"Tough match today. Really felt in control the entire time," Hiltzik said. "I blinked and when you play a good player like my opponent today, then you lose. It's a learning lesson for me and I look forward to my professional career. As I look back at my time as a player at Illinois, I could not be happier with the decision I made to play for the Orange and Blue. I will cherish all of my memories with them and will now cheer them on from the sidelines."
.@Vuki_SMASH23 cruises into @NCAATennis Quarterfinals!! #ILLINI ????
— Illini M Tennis (@IlliniMTennis) May 27, 2016
Round of 16 ? pic.twitter.com/cdbRXCToyg
.@Vuki_SMASH23's run continues!!
— Illini M Tennis (@IlliniMTennis) May 27, 2016
The sophomore advances to @NCAATennis Quarterfinals! #ILLINI pic.twitter.com/NkgBcBm144
Thank you Illinois for an unforgettable 4 years. #IlliniNation #Illini4Life pic.twitter.com/F2OCciigd4
— Jared Hiltzik (@JaredHiltzik) May 27, 2016
