In a matchup versus Saint Louis University at Evergreen Racquet Club in Bloomington, Ill., the Illinois State mens tennis team captured a heated doubles competition, in addition to taking five of six singles matches.
Illinois States first doubles team, Djordje Uskokovic and Benjamin Pettinari, defeated Saint Louis pairing of Ikaika Jobe and Tom de Larzac by a tally of 9-8 (5). The Redbirds also took the second doubles matchup of Illinois States Jason Smit and Andy Martin versus Thomas Kwong and Michael Hoosien (8-6). The Birds matchup of Marek Blaskovic and Ciaran Foley dropped the third doubles title to Lance Vodicka and Taylor Curran (8-2).
In singles action, the Birds were successful in five of six pairings. Illinois States No. 1 seed, Uskokovic, dropped his match to Jobe, 7-6 (5), 7-5. Smit topped Vodicka in the second seed matchup, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1. In the third spot, Blaskovic took the win over Kwong, 6-2, 6-2. The fourth matchup featured Ben Cappuccitti and de Larzac, and Cappuccitti prevailed, coming from behind to win by a score of 3-6, 6-3, 6-3. Illinois States Foley handed Sanjeev Paramanathan a loss at the No. 5 spot, 4-6, 6-0, 7-6 (5). Finally, Martin beat Curran, 6-3, 5-0, ret. inj., in the sixth position.
The Redbirds play host again today at Evergreen Racquet Club, as the Northern Illinois Huskies come to town for a 2 p.m. matchup.
