March 28, 2008
Final Stats
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. -
Missouri Valley Conference Athlete of the Week, sophomore Julia Zubkova, helped the Illinois State women's tennis team beat in-state rival Bradley, 6-1, Friday in Bloomington, Ill., at the Evergreen Racquet Club. The win moved the Redbirds to 8-7 overall and 2-0 in the MVC, while the Braves fell to 3-6 overall and 0-1 in the MVC.
The Redbirds began the match by sweeping the Braves in doubles, to earn the point. Senior Véronique Parke-Bédard teamed with senior Katri Miller to earn their 12th doubles victory of the season, as they topped Jessica Buterbaugh and Kelly Donohue, 8-2, at the No. 1 spot. Zubkova and senior Carolyne Parent bested Nicole Miller and Emily Regenold, 8-1, at the No. 2 spot, while duo of junior Tanja Hrovatic and freshman Katie O'Riley beat Erin Krubeck and Kim Braun, 8-2, in flight No. 3.
The `Birds continued their winning momentum into the singles competition as they earned five of the six points. Miller topped Regenold, 7-5 at the No. 1 spot. Zubkova competed at the No. 2 spot beating Donohue, 6-2, 6-0. Parke-Bédard bested Buterbaugh, 6-3, 7-5, at the No. 3 spot, while Parent beat Miller, 6-2, 6-1, in flight No. 4. Hrovatic earned the last singles point as she beat Krubeck, 6-2, 6-1, in the No. 5 position.
Junior Andrea Muresan competed in her first match of the season, after dealing with a back injury. Muresan took the Redbirds into their first tiebreaking match of the day as she fell to Braun, 7-6, 6-3 (7-5), in the No. 6 spot. Although Muresan lost her match, head coach Chris Hoover is proud of her efforts.
"Putting Andrea in at the No. 6 spot was really a captain's decision," said Hoover. "The captains felt that Andrea was really ready to play and I think she proved them right. She came in and fought her tail off. This has been her first match in about two years due to back pain, but she came out and gave it her all. I think it was really a positive sign for her and the team. I'm not sure if she will be able to compete on Saturday, due to her back, but if not we have two other student-athletes who are willing to step up."
Hoover is happy with the way his team competed today and excited about the upcoming match against Indiana State.
"The match against Indiana State will be a big test for us," said Hoover. "It really has to do with what we have been trying to do all season. We really would like to go in and take the win from Indiana State so we can keep an undefeated MVC record. Our goal is to enter the MVC tournament undefeated but I am sure that is Indiana States goal also. Plus, we beat Indiana State last year when they were ranked number 62, so I am sure they have a little bit of revenge on their mind. We have our work cut out for us, but I'm sure it will be a great match;"
The Redbirds will take to the road Saturday to compete against Indiana State in Terre Haute, Ind., at the Duane Klueh Tennis Complex. The first serve is set at 2 p.m.
