Feb. 18, 2007
NORMAL, Ill. -
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The Illinois State men's tennis team concluded their five match homestand today, besting Northern Illinois 6-1. Luka Marinkovic was 4-0 on the weekend, winning at both singles and doubles and Yohann Nograbat had an outstanding performance winning at No. 1 singles and doubles against NIU.
Head coach Greg Kennett felt the team's intensity in doubles gave them the momentum they needed in singles.
"Winning the doubles point was important for us," said Kennett. "The doubles point can determine the attitude of the team and will either help or hurt you. It was great to win the point because it got the momentum going and we played more focused during singles."
The `Birds got off to a good start as they took the doubles point. Oscar Beich and Marinkovic claimed the first match, defeating NIU at No. 3 doubles (8-6). The doubles point was in jeopardy when Nuno Jacinto and Daniel Tobar lost at No. 2 leaving the decision to Nograbat and Alfredo Lagarda. At No. 1, Nograbat and Lagarda bested Adam Ford and Brian Livingston 8-6, capturing the doubles point for the Redbirds.
Kennett feels that Nograbat's had a great performance at No. 1 doubles.
"Yohann did some of the best volleying I have ever seen him do in doubles today," said Kennett. "He handled his racquet and low ball so well. He never put himself in trouble with the low ball and really played terrific."
In singles action, Nograbat bested Livingston 6-4, 6-3 at No.1; Beich then defeated Javier Bernabe 6-2, 6-3 at No. 6. Marinkovic secured the win at No. 4 defeating Diego Zegarra-Ballon 6-0, 6-3. Rounding out the afternoon, Jacinto bested the Huskies, Ford at No. 3 (7-5, 6-1). Xavier Riart-Ferrer downed Jimmy Chu (6-3, 6-4) at No. 5. ISU gave up one point at No. 2, when Northern Illinois Alex Friesen downed Lagarda 6-4, 3-6 (10-6).
"Northern has a good team and a strong program so winning 6-1 is great," said Kennett.
The Redbirds who are now 5-3, take to the road next weekend as they fly south to take on the University of South Florida at 3 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 23 in Tampa Bay.
