Illinois States Liina Suurvarik led the Birds in the fight to win their home opener versus Eastern Michigan, but the Birds were unable to come up with a win.
Liina Suurvarik, even after losing her doubles match with partner Alesia Mikalayeva to Eastern Michigans Rebecca Hawkins and Lisa DAmelio, regionally ranked No. 6, kept her cool and came back to win her singles match against Hawkins, regionally ranked in singles at No. 12. Hoover was proud of her efforts.
No matter how things are going, Liina always maintains unbelievable concentration, said Hoover. Shes definitely one of the finest athletes Ive ever gotten to work with. Shes just money.
It wasnt only Suurvarik who effort made Hoover proud. After losing all three doubles matches to Eastern Michigan, the team came back with full force for the singles play.
The character that this team has really showed today, said Hoover. Even after the way doubles play went, we werent ready to just let them walk away with it. Im not unhappy with the fight we put up today.
Alesia Mikalayeva lost her first singles set, but battled back to take the match to three sets and pick up the win over Eastern Michigans Lisa DAmelio.
Not helping the Birds are the nagging injuries and illnesses that continue to take their toll on the team, today ending Alana Hoffmans match early.
The team now has a break in their schedule and a weekend off. Coach Hoover hopes that the team can use this time to get healthy. The Birds take to the courts again February 22 at St.Louis.
Eastern Michigan 4 Illinois State 3
January 9, 2002 Evergreen Racquet Club
Singles
1.Liina Suurvarik (ISU) def. Rebecca Hawkins (EM) 6-1, 7-5
2.Alesia Mikalayeva (ISU) def. Lisa DAmelio (EM) 0-6, 6-3, 7-6 (4)
3. Simone Duhme (EM) def. Alana Hoffman (ISU) 5-0, ret.
4.Amalia Lincaru (EM) def. Shelby Lipson (ISU) 6-2, 3-6, 6-2
5.Shari Gamarnik (EM) def. Tatyana Ugorich (ISU) 6-2, 6-2
6.Laura Gravino (ISU) def. Kenda Clark (EM) 6-3, 7-5
Doubles
1.Hawkins/DAmelio (EM) def. Suurvarik/Mikalayeva (ISU) 8-1
2.Duhme/Clark (EM) def. Ugorich/Hoffman (ISU) 8-3
3.Gamarnik/Lincaru (EM) def. Lipson/Gravino (ISU) 8-1
