Sept. 23, 2007
Results
PEORIA, Ill. -
The Illinois State men's tennis team rounded out their successful weekend at the Bradley Invitational on Sunday, Sept. 23. The `Birds had members in all five singles draw championship matches, and took home four of the five titles.
"Of course, we would have liked to have gone undefeated in singles our opening weekend, but it was a good first weekend," said head coach Cris James. "I felt like we were tested more and more each day and we came through strong every time."
In singles action, the `Birds picked up four singles titles. In the A Draw finals, senior Luka Marinkovic defeated Sebastian Lystad (UIC) in a close match that required a tie-breaker, 5-7, 6-2, (10-8). The Redbirds other senior, Oscar Beich won the C Draw title for the `Birds in straight-sets, topping Sean McManus (SLU), 6-2, 7-6. In D Draw action, sophomore Xavier Riart-Ferrer bested Wilder Sampson (BU) for the championship, 6-2, 6-4. The `Birds final title on the day came from sophomore Michael Hobson, in the E Draw championship. Hobson beat Paul Feder (SLU), 6-2, 6-4.
The Redbirds lone loss in singles play came in the B Draw finals. Junior Nuno Jacinto lost a hard-fought match in the tie-breaking third set to Adriano Liccardo (UIC), 6-2, 2-6, (10-5).
The Redbirds' four singles titles on Sunday were in addition to two doubles titles captured on Saturday. This gave the Redbirds five out of the total seven champions.
Next weekend, the `Birds head off to Omaha, Neb. to participate in the MVC Individual Championships from Friday, Sept. 28 through Sunday, Sept. 30.
