The duo of Ciaran Foley and Jason Smit won their seventh straight doubles match in the No. 2 position over Leonardo Ramirez and Jaime Rodriguez, 9-7, to help lead the Illinois State mens tennis team (9-8, 3-1 MVC) to a win against Missouri Valley Conference foe Wichita State(6-8, 1-1 MVC), 5-2, April 5, at the Evergreen Racquet Club.
Djordje Uskokovic and Ben Pettinari also picked up a doubles victory over Angelo Manns and Marko Despot in the No. 1 spot, 9-7, to clinch the doubles point for the Birds. Wichita States Carlo Contente and Joggan Austin outlasted Marek Blaskovic and Ben Cappuccitti in the No. 3 position, 8-5.
The Birds were equally impressive in the singles competition, winning four out of the six matches. Playing in the No. 3 spot, Uskokovic defeated Ramirez in straight sets, 6-1, 6-3. Not to be outdone by his teammate, Blaskovic made quick work of Contente in the No. 4 position, 6-1, 6-0.
Coach Greg Kennett feels that the victory should help to solidify the Birds position as one of the top teams in the Valley.
Todays win was really big for us because it will helps to show where we stand in the conference, expressed Kennett. There are some very good teams out there, but I think that we can hang with any of them.
The Birds next matchup is with conference opponent Drake, April 12, in Des Moines, Iowa.
Illinois State 5 Wichita State 2
Singles
1. Ben Cappuccitti (ISU) def. Joggan Austin (WSU) 7-6, 0-6, 6-4
2. Jaime Rodriguez (WSU) def. Jason Smit (ISU) 6-4, 6-2
3. Djordje Uskokovic (ISU) def. Leonardo Ramirez (WSU) 6-1, 6-3
4. Marek Blaskovic (ISU) def. Carlo Contente (WSU) 6-1, 6-0
5. Angelo Manns (WSU) def. Ben Pettinari (ISU) 4-6, 6-4, (12-10)
6. Ciaran Foley (ISU) def. Ben Cramp (WSU) 2-6, 6-3, 6-4
Doubles
1. Uskokovic/ Pettinari (ISU) def. Manns/ Despot (WSU) 9-7
2. Smit/ Foley (ISU) def. Rameriz/ Rodriguez (WSU) 9-7
3. Contente/ Austin (WSU) def. Blaskovic/ Cappuccitti (ISU) 8-5
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