Illinois State dominated the Missouri Valley Conference Individual Championships, bringing home an outstanding six of ten titles. The Birds picked up five singles titles today in addition to the No. 1 doubles title picked up on Saturday by Liina Suurvarik and Alesia Mikalayeva.
At No. 1, Liina Suurvarik defeated Southwest Missouri States Ia Zozrashvili (7-6(3), 7-6(6)), making the title hers for the third year in a row. At No. 2, Redbird Alesia Mikalayeva defeated Southwest Missouri States Cassandra Godfrey (6-2, 6-0).
Illinois State newcomer Emilie Sechaud proved herself on the court for the Redbirds, defeating Indiana States Magda Narcezwska (7-5, 6-2) to make the title at No. 3 hers.
At No. 5, Redbird Laura Gravino took the title, defeating Southwest Missouri States Ala Alvarez (6-1, 4-6, 6-2).
Illinois State freshman Ashley Maxwell fought through three matches to defeat Southwest Missouri States
Mali Gokovic (3-6, 6-4, 6-3) in the last match of the day to earn the sixth title for the Birds.
The Birds who didnt take titles still came out in the rankings. At No. 4, Redbird Shelby Lipson battled back from yesterdays loss to claim third place by defeating Wichitas Natalie Guzman (6-1, 6-0). At No. 6, senior Alana Hoffman fell to Southwest Missouri States Isidora Ljuri (6-1, 6-2), putting her in second place.
Head coach Chris Hoover couldnt have been happier.
This is where we need to be right now, said Hoover. Were on the right track, and Im proud of our performance. Everyone gave all they had.
Redbirds Alesia Mikalayeva and Liina Suurvarik return to the courts next weekend at the Intercollegiate Tennis Association/Riviera All-American, where they hope to leave their mark at the national level.
