Redbirds Fall 7-0 to Nationally-Ranked UNLV

Feb. 15, 2008

Results

LAS VEGAS, Nev. - The Illinois State women's tennis team fell 7-0, to the nationally-ranked UNLV (40) team at the Fertitta Tennis Complex on Friday. Junior Tanja Hrovatic played aggressively in the only tie-breaking match of the day, but could not pull out a win against Anna Maskaljun. The loss dropped the Redbirds to a 2-3 mark for the season while the Lady Rebels improved to 5-1.

"Although we didn't come out with a win, I think we played very hard," said head coach Chris Hoover. "(Senior) Carolyne (Parent) and Tanja had the best two matches of the day. They played with intensity and competitiveness. Tanja really had a chance after winning the first match, but Anna really stepped it up after that. As for Carolyne, she is fighting a cold but she still came out and played at her best."

Hrovatic lost the match to Maskaljun, 4-6, 6-1, 1-0, (10-8), at the No 5 spot. As for Parent, she competed at the No. 4 position against Nikol Dimitrova and lost, 6-3, 7-5.

In the rest of singles play, senior Katri Miller faced nationally-ranked Elena Gantcheva (40) and was topped 6-2, 6-2, at the No. 1 spot. Sophomore Julia Zubkova was bested by Kristina Williams, 6-3, 6-1, at No. 2 position. In flight No. 3, senior Véronique Parke-Bédard was defeated by Katy Williams, 6-2, 6-1. Freshman Katie O'Riley lost to Adrienn Hidvegi, 6-3, 6-2.

In doubles, the Lady Rebels swept the Redbirds. Miller and Zubkova competed at the No. 1 spot against Gantcheva and Nedeltcheva and lost, 8-2. Parke-Bedard and O'Riley teamed up to play at the No. 2 position and were defeated by the UNLV duo of, Maskaljun and Williams, 8-1. Hrovatic and Parent faced Dimitrova and Alisa Razina and lost, 8-1.

Despite the loss, Hoover has no complaints.

"For our first match outdoors, we played very well, especially Carolyne and Tanja," said Hoover. "As for tomorrow's competition, we are trying to get Carolyne better and to keep the rest of the team healthy."

The Redbirds will face Oklahoma State at noon on Saturday, February 16 at the Fertitta Tennis Complex.