March 17, 2006
Final Stats
CHARLESTON, S.C. -
Junior Yohann Nograbat led the Redbirds to their fourth straight victory against Marquette on Friday morning. Nograbat dropped Eigis Vedrickas of the Golden Eagles (6-0, 6-0) at the No. 1 singles position and set the tone for his teammates. The Illinois State men's tennis team moves to 7-6 overall while Marquette drops to 8-7.
"Yohann has done a great job the last few matches and he is starting to keep his emotions and temperament in control," said head coach Greg Kennett. "He has been playing smart, keeping the ball in control and going for the right opportunities. If Yohann can play like this the next few weeks, we will be in good shape heading into the conference season."
Alban Renard and Oscar Beich bested Pete Van Lieshout and Brett Binkley, at the No. 1 doubles spot 9-7, while Luka Marinkovic and Daniel Tobar downed Stephen Shao and Trent Hagan at the No. 3 position 8-3.
This was the `Birds fourth straight doubles point in a row, which is a key part in dual match play, according Kennett.
"The doubles point is honestly one of the biggest parts of a match," said Kennett. "It sets the tone for the singles matches and we have been playing a lot better doubles. I think we have found doubles teams that work well together. Our efforts and the time we spent working on doubles is starting to pay off."
In singles action, Nuno Jacinto (No. 3), Djordje Uskokovic (No. 4) and Marinkovic (No. 6) all won their matches in straight sets. Renard topped Ian Kawas 6-2, 6-3 at the No. 2 slot.
Kennett is proud of how Renard has stepped up in the last few weeks.
"Alban won again today in both singles and doubles play," said Kennett. "He is playing smart and determined and has really stepped up. In singles Marquette was making a come back, but after Albans win a the No. 2 the score was 3-0. He took the air out of their balloon today."
Illinois State will compete again at 1 p.m. on Sunday March 25 against Saint Louis.
