Sophomore Alfredo Lagarda scored the only point for the Illinois State mens tennis team as he defeated his opponent 4-6, 7-6(7-3), 1-0(11-9) at the No. 6 position. Lagardas great singles play wasnt enough as the Birds fell to No. 34 Notre Dame 6-1, at the Eck Tennis Pavilion.
Lagarda, who was 4-5 in the fall season and had lost his last five singles matches, came out swinging against his Fighting Irish rival Ryan Keckley.
Lagarda played a solid match for us today, head coach Greg Kennett said. He played a tough opponent and I am very proud of the way he played.
Despite opening spring play with a loss Kennett was very pleased with his teams play.
Even though we lost there are lots of positives we can take from this experience, Kennett said. The team fought hard and the matches were a lot closer than the scores appeared.
The Redbirds received solid play out of Alban Renard in the No. 5 position who lost his match to Iraackli Akhvlediani 7-5, 6-2.
Alban was serving for the match in the first set at 5-3, but he was unable to pull it off, Kennett said. Albans match was the most fun to watch, the points were hard fought and rallies were exceptional. He had some stomach problems that might have effected the outcome of the match.
Freshman Luka Marinkovic saw extensive action in his first outing as a Redbird playing both at the No. 3 position in singles losing 6-3, 6-3 and alongside Ben Pettinari as the No. 3 doubles team losing 8-5.
In action at the No. 1 position was Guillermo Gomez who fell to Stephen Bass 6-1, 6-2.
Gomez seemed to be a little bit nervous, Kennett said. He practiced well all week and was ready for his first match of the season. He didnt seem to have his emotions in check today.
Djorde Uskokovic played at the No. 2 position losing to Barry King 6-3,6-3.
The Birds next opponent is Eastern Illinois at the Evergreen Racquet Club on Jan 21, at 12:00 p.m.
