April 30, 2006
Final Stats
DES MOINES, Iowa. - In the final match of the State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Tournament, the Illinois State men's tennis team could not hold on to their early lead as Drake's home court advantage was too much for the `Birds. ISU fell to Drake in the title match 4-1 and suffered its first loss in fourteen matches, while Drake earned an automatic spot in the NCAA tournament.
Illinois State took any early lead by winning the doubles match point over the Bulldogs. Luka Marinkovic and Daniel Tobar dropped Sergi Vila and Ivan Mendoza at the No. 3 spot, 8-6. In the meantime, Djordje Uskokovic and Nuno Jacinto turned their match around at the No. 2 doubles spot. The two eventually won 8-6 over Jonathon Tishler and Chris Lueth earning the `Birds the doubles match point.
However, Drake's home court advantage became too overwhelming as the fans favored the Bulldogs.
During singles play, Yohann Nograbat fell to Maor Zirkin at the No. 1 position, 6-0, 6-1, while Alban Renard came up short of Dalibar Pavic at the No. 2 slot, 6-2, 6-3. Jacinto also lost his singles match at the No. 3 spot to Sergi Vila 6-1, 7-5. Shortly after that, Marinkovic dropped his match to Mendoza at the No. 6 position 6-0, 6-4, which concluded the match.
Singles did not play out how head coach Greg Kennett envisioned.
"It was a great season and we had some great matches," said Kennett. "I am certainly proud of everything we have achieved and I think this sets us up for a great season next year and I look forward to our future."
Renard and Uskokovic competed in their last match for Illinois State and will be missed, according to Kennett.
"They were great seniors to have around," said Kennett. "The two acted as mentors for the team. Djordje was a four year player and was always a leader for this team. They are great guys to be around and it will be hard to replace them."
Illinois State ended the spring season with a 17-7 record and the MVC regular season conference title.
