Seniors Elizabeth Bingier and Laura Gravino made quick work of their opponents, winning in straight sets, and the rest of the Illinois State womens tennis team followed suit with a 6-0 non-conference victory over Oral Roberts at City Park Wednesday morning.
The Redbirds won all six singles matches in straight sets to lift their record to 5-6 overall, while Oral Roberts fell to 2-10 on the year.
Head coach Chris Hoover was pleased with how his team responded after a 5-0 loss to New Orleans on Tuesday.
We were just stronger than they were, Hoover said. Everyone was a little anxious and tired from the trip down here and it would have been easy to have a let down, but that didnt happen and Im pleased with that.
Bingier quickly downed the Golden Eagles Sonia Bailey 6-2, 6-1 at the No. 1 singles position, but not as fast as Gravinos 6-0, 6-0 victory over Adrianna Garcia at No. 2. Freshman Carolyne Parent also added a 6-0, 6-0 win at No. 5 singles, while Emilie Sechaud surrendered just one set in a 6-1, 6-0 victory at the No. 4 spot.
Hoover was pleased the progress the Redbirds made outdoors and is eager to begin Missouri Valley Conference play.
We got outside and were able to train in the sun and the wind, Hoover said. We look like a pretty good outdoor team and Im excited about that.
Illinois State returns to action on March 25 when it hosts IUPUI at McCormick Courts for the first of seven straight home matches. After facing IUPUI and Valparaiso, the Redbirds open league play against Bradley on March 30.
