Feb. 4, 2006
Final Stats
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Luka Marinkovic (6-1) lost his first singles match of the season to No. 89 Brent Werbeck at the No. 5 singles slot (4-6, 6-3, 11-9) as the Illinois State men's tennis team (2-3) fell 7-0 to No. 31 Boise State (2-3) in New Mexico.
Losing all seven matches in a dual meet is a first for the `Birds this spring. Also Illinois State has yet to win an away match this season. They are now 0-3 on the road in team competition.
"Boise State is a very good team. They have a lot of experience and played a lot of tough matches to get where they are today," said head coach Greg Kennett. "Overall it was a good experience for us, and hopefully we can learn from this."
Boise State has some of the top competitors in collegiate tennis. No. 13 Luke Shields of Boise downed Yohann Nograbat at the No. 2 singles position in straight sets (6-2, 6-1). No. 7 doubles combination Thomas Schoek and Shields defeated Alban Renard and Djordje Uskokovic in the No. 1 doubles flight.
Kennett will reevaluate the lineup as ISU has not captured a doubles point in the last three dual matches.
"We need some adjustments in doubles. We need a solid doubles team," said Kennett. "I think we will keep the same kind of lineup for singles, but doubles is going to be a big factor throughout the season."
Illinois State will compete again Sunday, February 5 at the Lobo Tennis Club where they will face No. 64 New Mexico.
