After being challenged by coach Greg Kennett to finish matches with more intensity, the Illinois State mens tennis team did just that on the first day of competition at the MVC Indoor Individual Championships in Des Moines, Iowa.
Leading the way for the Redbirds was Ricky Heath and Brent Steven. After losing his first set, Heath came back to defeat Oliver Floth of Creighton (4-6, 6-1, 6-0) at No. 1 singles. Likewise, after losing his second set, Steven held on to defeat Derek Boland of Evansville (6-3, 6-7 (5), 6-3) at No. 5 singles.
Andy Martin and Jason Smit also played well for the Redbirds. Martin defeated Jamin Klotz of Bradley (6-1, 6-1) at No. 7 singles, while Smit defeated Alon Savidor of Southern Illinois (6-0, 6-4) at No. 2 singles.
In doubles action, Heath and Smit defeated Floth/Otto of Creighton (8-5) at No. 1 doubles, while Ciaran Foley and Steven defeated Contente/Austin of Wichita State (8-6) at No. 2 doubles. In addition, Marek Blaskovic and Martin defeated Kembell/Wright of SMS (8-3) at No. 3 doubles to extend their unbeaten streak to five matches.
Play will resume at the MVC Indoor Individual Championships on Saturday, January 26.
