Sept. 24, 2005
MILWAUKEE, Wis. -
Senior Alban Renard and sophomore Luka Marinkovic paired up to win their No. 1 doubles match 9-8, while Djordje Uskokovic and Yohann Nograbat took their No. 3 doubles match 8-5 as the Illinois State men's tennis team had a successful second day of the three-day Milwaukee Tennis Classic at the Western Racquet Club.
Head Coach Greg Kennett was happy to see his team succeed, beating Northern Illinois in head-to-head doubles play Saturday.
"Alban and Luka have been playing with great intensity," said Kennett. "They played very strong under pressure, I am very proud of them."
Kennett was pleased with Uskokovic and Nograbat, who are undefeated overall in doubles.
"Djordje and Yohann have been playing together as a team and they make a good combination," said Kennett. "I think their play compliments each other."
The men faced Marquette in singles this afternoon. Five out of the seven players of the Redbird squad turned out winners. Renard survived a tie breaker in the third set defeating his opponent 6-3, 6-4 and 7-6 at the No. 1 position. Tim Link, Alfredo Lagarda, Marinkovic and Uskokovic all won in straight sets to win during singles play. Uskokovic still remains undefeated in singles and coach Kennett could not be more excited.
"Djordje is taking the role he should be during his last season," said Kennett. "He has a lot of confidence and he is a very talented player."
Kennett is more than satisfied with the results his team has been posting. The experienced line up has made a difference for Kennett.
"We have four or five guys that can play the number one position on this team," said Kennett. "It takes pressure off some of our guys and makes it easier for them to compete."
The Redbirds begin singles play against Northern Illinois at 9 a.m. and will compete against Indiana Purdue Fort Wayne (IPFW) at 11 a.m. concluding the tournament.
-###-
