After downing Drake 4-1, on Saturday, only one match stands in the way of the Illinois State womens tennis team clinching back-to-back Missouri Valley conference team championships.
Liina Suurvarik led the way at the No. 1 position by defeating Annali de Bruyn, 6-2, 7-5. The only loss came at the No. 2 spot when Katri Miller was defeated 2-6, 2-6, by Zorana Stefanovic. Elizabeth Bingier helped the Redbirds take the lead when she beat Drakes Eve Rusdianto, 6-4, 6-3, at the No. 3 spot. Laura Gravino dominated at the No. 4 position as she blanked Rebekah Thomas, 6-1, 6-0. No. 5 Emilie Sechaud clinched the victory for ISU as she defeated Cheen Alkhabit, 6-1, 6-2. At the No. 6 position, Ashley Maxwell was beating Marie Mainil, 6-0, 5-2, but did not finish as ISU had already won the match.
Head coach Chris Hoover thought the Birds, who beat Drake during regular season, 5-2, were more prepared for Saturdays match.
I thought the team played stronger and with more confidence, Hoover said. Yesterday they fooled around and I was pleased to see that they stepped it up for today. I hope we can continue to play strong to win tomorrow.
ISU will go up against the winner of the Indiana State/Southwest Missouri State semifinal match for the championship on Sunday at 12 p.m. The Redbirds beat Indiana State (6-1) and SMS (6-1) during the regular season and defeated SMS to clinch the championship last year.
Illinois State 2, Drake 1
Singles
No. 1 - Liina Suurvarik (ISU) def. Annali de Bruyn (DU) 6-2, 7-5
No. 2 - Zorana Stefanovic (DU) def. Katri Miller (ISU) 2-6, 2-6
No. 3 - Elizabeth Bingier (ISU) def. Eve Rusdianto (DU) 6-4, 6-3
No. 4 - Laura Gravino (ISU) def. Rebekah Thomas (DU) 6-1, 6-0
No. 5 - Emilie Sechaud (ISU) def. Cheen Alkhatib (DU) 6-1, 6-2
No. 6 - Ashley Maxwell (ISU) was beating Marie Mainil (DU) 6-0, 5-2, not finished
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