March 21, 2007
NORMAL, Ill. -
Illinois State men's tennis sophomore Daniel Tobar was named this weeks Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week, after going 4-0 in match action for the Redbirds.
Head coach Greg Kennett feels that Tobar's level of play has really picked up.
"Daniel has a lot of confidence in his game," said Kennett. "He has a strong serve, his ground stroke is improving, his forehand has really come around and become a weapon and his volley game is more consistent. He really believes that when he plays he is going to win."
Tobar's efforts helped the `Birds claim their two points on March 12 as the `Birds were defeated by the College of Charleston, 2-5. The Santiago, Chile native took down Steven Myers posting a, 6-4, 6-4 win at No. 6 singles. Tobar then teamed with Luka Marinkovic for the first time this season and gained their first win, besting the Cougars' Omer Abramovic and Perry Allen, 8-5, at No. 2 doubles.
On Wed. March 14, the Redbirds returned to their winning ways posting a, 5-2 victory over The Citadel. At No. 2 doubles, Tobar and Marinkovic posted an 8-1 win over Derek Jose and Federic Petrilli. The sophomore then defeated Derek Jose at No. 6 singles in a 6-2, 6-4 decision. Overall, Tobar is 9-2 in singles and 8-7 in doubles.
"Luka and Daniel looked strong together and they really played well," said Kennett. "They have done a nice job and they really enjoy playing together. It is fun to watch a player when they start improving and hopefully Daniel will continue this level of play for the remainder of the season,"
ISU returns to action Sat. March 31 as they travel to take on Creighton at 10 a.m. in Omaha, Neb for their first conference match of the season.
