The Illinois State mens tennis team achieved a couple of firsts in the final day of play at the Ball State Invitational. The Birds took home two main draw titles for the first time in the teams history at the tournament and also brought home their first ever doubles title Sunday in Muncie, Ind.
Sophomore Yohann Nograbat led the charge early in the day. While teammate Alfredo Lagarda was playing in the B Flight championship, Nograbat defeated Adam Bordow of Butler in straight sets to win the D Flight singles title 6-2, 6-2. It was the first tournament win for Nograbat since joining the Redbirds in January.
Head coach Greg Kennett believes this weekends experience was just what Nograbat needed.
Yohann is still really learning how to play college tennis, Kennett said. However, this weekends experience and the win should really help him to become the strong player that he can be.
Unfortunately, Lagarda was not so lucky in his championship singles match. He fell to Tim Bradshaw of Butler 6-3, 6- in the B Flight championship. However, Lagarda got his revenge when he teamed with Alban Renard to win the B Flight doubles title. The pair defeated fellow Missouri Valley Conference competitors Aaron Phillips and Anton Tsymbalov of Indiana St. 8-4, bringing home the second title of the day.
Kennett believes the weekend was a success for the team, thanks in part to the play of Lagarda.
Two titles for us is tremendous, he said. Alfredos play over the weekend was great and if he continues to work hard like he has been, he will be a great leader for us and we will have a great year.
The Redbirds will return to action for their second tournament of the fall season October 8-10 at the Arkansas Invite in Fayetteville, Ark. It will be the teams first appearance at the Invite.
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Final Results
B Flight singles championship: Tim Bradshaw (W. Michigan) d. Alfredo Lagarda (ISU) 6-3, 6-1
D Flight singles championship: Yohann Nograbat (ISU) d. Adam Bordow (Butler) 6-2, 6-2
B Flight doubles championship: Lagarda/Renard (ISU) d. Phillips/Tsymbalov (Indiana St.) 8-4
