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April 27, 2007
OMAHA, Neb. -
Alfredo Lagarda captured a pair of wins in singles and doubles for the Illinois State University men's tennis team as the Redbirds conquered, host Creighton 5-0 in the first round of the 2007 Missouri Valley Conference Championships, Friday in Omaha Neb. at the Koch Family Tennis Center.
Head Coach Greg Kennett thought his team played well and were mentally focused.
"I think that we had an overall strong team performance," said Kennett. "We were mentally sharp and that is what I was looking for. If we can stay focused and mentally strong we are going to do well this weekend."
The Redbirds, ranked No. 2, entered today's contest confident as they took down Creighton. Playing at the top position in doubles for the Redbirds, Yohann Nograbat and Lagarda took down Nikita Dudar and Joe Eckert, 8-2. Oscar Beich and Michael Hobson teamed at No. 3 and secured the doubles point, defeating Ross Allen and Michael Elson, 8-5.
Luka Marinnkovic and Daniel Tobar's match at No. 2 was unfinished as the Redbirds claimed the point quickly at No. 1 and 3 positions.
Kennett was happy with his team's solid doubles performances and hopes the team will continue their high level of play.
"The doubles point is going to be important for us all weekend and we have been stressing the importance of gaining the point all year," said Kennett. "We got it done today, Luka and Daniel played really well at two and Oscar and Mike had a nice third doubles."
In singles action Xavier Riart-Ferrer, Tobar, Marinkovic, and Lagarda captured wins at 4, 5, 3, and 2 to secure the win for the Redbirds. With the win secured Nograbat and Beich ended their matches unfinished at Nos. 1 and 5.
The Redbirds (13-7, 6-1) enter the semifinals tomorrow Sat. April 28 and face Wichita State (11-8, 5-2) a foe that ISU has defeated before in a tight, 4-3 decision. First serve is set at 2 p.m.
