March 12, 2007
Results
CHARLESTON, S.C.-- -
Sophomore, Daniel Tobar gained the Redbirds lone singles victory at No. 6 as the Illinois State men's tennis team dropped a, 5-2 decision to The College of Charleston Monday at Patriot's Point Courts in Charleston, S.C.
The Redbirds fall to 6-6 on the season and The College of Charleston notched another victory, as they improved to 6-0 on the season.
In doubles action, the Redbirds came out strong and took the first point. Alfredo Lagarda and Yohann Nograbat posted a 9-7 win over Or Dekel and Marcus DiGliodo at No. 1. The win gives the Redbird duo a 6-3 mark on the season.
Last year's dynamic duo, Luka Marinkovic and Tobar, teamed for the first time this season and gained their first win besting the Cougar's Omer Abramovic and Perry Allen 8-5 at No. 2. Playing at No. 3, Oscar Beich and Xavier Riart-Ferrer were defeated by Justin Malina and James Petit, 9-7.
Head coach Greg Kennett thought his team fought hard, but was not used to the playing environment.
"We seemed uncomfortable playing outside," said Kennett. "The courts were a lot slower that what we were used to and that did not help."
In singles action, Tobar gained ISU's only victory posting a 6-4, 6-4 win over Steven Myers at No. 6. In a tie breaker at No. 2, Lagarda fought hard, but was defeated by DiGliodo 5-7, 6-3, 11-9.
"It was great to see Daniel continue to do well, he is really starting to improve and gain confidence," said Kennett. "I was also proud of Alfredo's efforts today because he and Yohann played really well at doubles. Alfredo had an opportunity to win in singles but let it slip away.
"We had a lot of errors in singles," added Kennett. "Tomorrow we are going to hit a lot of balls and groove our swings. We need to improve on holding the lead early in the match. We seem to surge in the first sets and then fall behind. We need to work on breaking down our opponent and then playing more aggressively. "
The Redbirds will remain in South Carolina, as they are scheduled to face The Citadel Wednesday in Charleston, S.C. The match is slated to begin at 2 p.m.
