Despite the strong play from Yohann Nograbat at the No. 3 singles position, the Illinois State mens tennis team fell to Indiana State 4-2 and ended its season in the second round of the Missouri Valley Conference Team Championships Saturday at the Hanscom Indoor Tennis Center.
Nograbat, whose season has been like a rollercoaster ride, ended the season on a high note by downing Christopher Eldon in straight sets (6-3, 6-0) at the No. 3 position. Nograbat improved his overall single season record to 16-13.
Despite the loss, head coach Greg Kennett was glad to see Nograbat play so well.
Yohann played a strong first few games that really set the tone for his match, said Kennett. He was mentally strong and he wore out his opponent.
In other singles action, Guillermo Gomez played at the No. 1 position and was leading his match with Anton Tsymbalov (2-6, 7-6(9), 2-1) in the third set, when the match was called because the Sycamores had already one the competition. At the No. 2 position Djordje Uskokovic lost in straight sets to Simon Thornewill (7-5, 6-2). Alban Renard who was seeking his 12th win in a row fell to Kevin Doh (6-4, 6-2) at the No. 6 spot.
Kennett was disappointed in the singles play especially from Renard.
I was quite disappointed in Albans play today, said Kennett. His opponent has a history of getting under his skin and that really cost him today.
The Birds best play came in the doubles action, were Gomez teamed with Renard at the No. 2 position and downed Tsymbalov and Eldon (9-8(6)). At the No. 3 position Luka Marinkovic and Tim Link dropped Rishi Behl and Will Moseley (8-4).
Kennett thought the doubles play would carry over into the singles action for the Birds.
The doubles play was excellent, said Kennett. We got ahead early in the matches and got some good momentum, unfortunately it did not continue.
