Djordje Uskokovic lived up to his billing at the No. 1 singles position Friday for the Illinois State mens tennis team, by advancing into the semifinals of the Missouri Valley Conference Individual Championships held at the Drake Tennis Center in Des Moines, Iowa. The Birds dominated the first day of the singles competition, by advancing 7 players in their respective positions.
Dropping the first set to Tom McCarthy of Creighton 4-6, Uskokovic stormed back and won the next two sets 6-2, 6-2 for the win. Head Coach Greg Kennett was proud of the win but noticed sluggishness in Uskokovics play.
Djordje started cold, said Kennett. He didnt play until late in the day and I think that affected him early in the match. After losing the first set he settled down and played better.
At the No. 2 position senior Guillermo Gomez won in impressive fashion cruising past Rodrigo Lama from Southern Illinois in straight sets (6-3, 6-1). Newcomer Luka Marinkovic advanced past Jack Frankowicz from Drake at the No. 3 position (6-4, 6-7(4), 6-4). Kennett was very impressed with Marinkovics play.
Luka played a tremendous match for us today, said Kennett. He played a great opponent and I am very proud of him.
In doubles action, the team of junior Alban Renard and sophomore Alfredo Lagarda were the only Redbirds to advance, beating Indiana States Christopher Eldon and Will Moseley at the No. 3 position (8-5).
The Missouri Valley Conference Individual Championships continue on January 29-30.
