The Illinois State mens tennis team fell to 4-6 on the season with a 6-1 loss to New Mexico State, Sunday in Las Cruces.
The lone point for the Redbirds came from junior Jason Smits win over Michael Hellwig at No. 2 singles, 6-1, 7-6 (11-9).
Marek Blaskovic and Andy Martin took their matches at No. 5 and No. 6 to three sets, but could not pull away with a win against their Aggie opponents.
As a team, were very injured right now, head coach Greg Kennett said. Jason Smit played very well, had great energy and did a nice job for us.
The Redbirds return to the courts March 2 at Iowa.
New Mexico State 6, Illinois State 1
February 24, 2002 Las Cruces, N.M.
Singles
#1 Ben Newcombe (NMSU) def. Ricky Heath (ISU) 6-3, 6-4
#2 Jason Smit (ISU) def. Michael Hellwig (NMSU) 6-1, 7-6 (11-9)
#3 Ben Archer-Clowes (NMSU) def. Ciaran Foley (ISU) 6-1, 6-2
#4 Luis Avila (NMSU) def. Ben Pettinari (ISU) 6-3, 6-2
#5 Ludovic Barthe (NMSU) def. Marek Blaskovic (ISU) 2-6, 6-3, 6-1
#6 Dan Even (NMSU) def. Andy Martin (ISU) 6-7 (7-4), 6-2, 6-2
Doubles
#1 Hellwig/Archer-Clowes (NMSU) def. Heath/Blaskovic (ISU) 9-7
#2 Newcombe/Even (NMSU) def. Foley/Pettinari (ISU) 8-5
#3 Avila/Barthe (NMSU) def. Smit/Martin (ISU) 8-6
