Feb. 3, 2006
Final Stats
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Luka Marinkovic won his sixth straight singles match (6-0) and remains undefeated this spring; unfortunately it wasn't enough to carry the Illinois State men's tennis team to victory. The Sacramento State Hornets (1-0) opened their season with a win by downing the `Birds (2-2) at the Lobo Tennis Club 4-3.
Head coach Greg Kennett was unhappy with the second loss in a row and the team's efforts.
"We left a lot of opportunities out on the court. We had a lot of chances to win," said Kennett. "We should have won this match and it was a disappointment to say the least."
The top three flights could not find a rhythm like the bottom half. Djordje Uskokovic downed his opposition at the No. 4 singles position (6-3, 6-2) and is now 6-1 overall. Oscar Beich owns a 5-1 record after a 6-4, 6-7, 6-3 win at the No. 6 singles slot. Marinkovic rolled over his competition 6-0, 6-2 at the No. 5 spot and has yet to be challenged to a tie breaking set. Despite the stellar play from the bottom three positions, the match came down to doubles play.
Marinkovic and Nuno Jacinto captured the only Illinois State doubles win (8-6) at the No. 2 spot. Uskokovic and Tim Link fell at the No. 1 position (8-5), while Alban Renard and Daniel Tobar lost at the No. 3 spot 9-8 (10-8).
Kennett is impressed with Marinkovic's play as of late.
"Luka is doing a great job and he has been a pleasant surprise," said Kennett. "I hope he can keep up the consistency because that's the name of the game and that's how good teams are formed."
Illinois State will compete again Saturday, February 4 against No. 31 Boise State at 9:30 a.m.
