April 11, 2006
NORMAL, Ill. -
Illinois State's Luka Marinkovic was named the Missouri Valley Conference Men's Tennis Player of the Week. Marinkovic is the youngest Redbird of three to be nominated Player of the Week this season, after seniors Djordje Uskokovic and Alban Renard were honored earlier this spring.
Marinkovic earned Player of the Week after a perfect display in singles and doubles to combine for a flawless 4-0 weekend. His wins propelled the `Birds to their second and third conference victories over conference rivals No. 72 Drake and Creighton.
The sophomore has won his last seven singles matches, six of which came from the No. 6 position and one from the No. 5. Marinkovic has also won all seven matches in straight sets, and now owns a 13-3 overall singles record this spring.
Marinkovic also won his last seven doubles matches with teammate Daniel Tobar. The doubles combination hasn't given up more than five points in each of their last seven victories and has yet to record a loss together this spring.
His determination on the court has propelled the `Birds to an eight match win streak, a 3-0 record in the MVC and an 11-6 overall mark.
The sophomore will compete again at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 15 at Wichita State.
