Illinois Falls to Oklahoma at ITA Kick-Off

Illinois dropped its first dual match of the season, 4-0 in Norman on Sunday afternoon.

Men's Tennis January 29, 2017

Illinois Falls to Oklahoma at ITA Kick-Off

Illinois dropped its first dual match of the season, 4-0 in Norman on Sunday afternoon.

NORMAN, Okla. – The No. 17 Fighting Illini men's tennis team fell to the No. 16 Oklahoma Sooners, 4-0 on Sunday afternoon at the ITA Kick-Off. The Illini move to 1-1 overall this season.

In doubles, the Sooners gained an early advantage after capturing the doubles point with victories on courts one and two. Freshman Gui Gomes and senior Alex Jesse dropped their match to Andrew Harris and Spencer Papa, 6-3. Junior Aron Hiltzik and freshman Noe Khlif were defeated by Florin Bragusi and Alex Ghilea, 6-2.

Singles play saw junior Aleks Vukic fall to Andrew Harris on court one, 6-3, 6-1. No. 118-ranked Sooner, Florin Bragusi defeated Illini freshman Zeke Clark, 6-0, 6-1. Jochen Bertsch clinched the match for OU with a 6-1, 6-1 win over Khlif on court six.

Up next, the Illini will host a pair of ACC opponents at the Atkins Tennis Center next week. Illinois's home-opening match is set for next Friday against the Duke Blue Devils. First serve is slated for 6 p.m. CT. On Saturday, Illinois will take on their second ACC foe, North Carolina, at 6 p.m.

Coach Dancer's Thoughts

"I give tons of credit to Oklahoma. They have great players and a coaching staff that had them prepared. OU exposed us and we were a mess. This is one day and one moment for this team. It doesn't feel good to have this experience and there was nothing enjoyable about it. When this happens, you know as a coach you could have prepared your team better. I take the responsibility. Having said all of that, we are excited about our home-opener on Friday against Duke."

Final Results

#16 OKLAHOMA 4, #17 ILLINOIS 0

Doubles-Order of Finish: 2, 1*