April 12, 2008
NORMAL, Ill. -
The Illinois State women's tennis team hopes to continue with its momentum, as they face #70 Wichita State, Sunday at the Evergreen Racquet Club, beginning at 12 a.m. The Redbirds have gone 4-0 in home matches this season, helping contribute to their 10-8 overall record and 4-1 Missouri Valley Conference mark.
Wichita State currently holds a 9-7 overall record and are 2-1 in the Valley, after falling to Indiana State Friday. The Shockers are set to compete against Bradley on Saturday before facing Illinois State.
"Since Wichita State lost to Indiana State we are currently competing for second in the MVC," said head coach Chris Hoover. "But I know Wichita State is a good team, they won the doubles point against Indiana State and Indiana State is really good in doubles. I except Wichita State to be angry and ready to play, so we need to be too."
Over the past six years the teams have met eight times and the `Birds lead the contest with six victories.
The Shockers have earned their No. 70 ranking with the help of sophomores Stephanie Dalmacio and Lenore Lazaroiu. Dalmacio has competed mainly at the No. 1 singles and doubles spot, standing at 7-9 in singles and 10-4 in doubles. Lazaroiu is also a key contributor to the Shockers producing a 10-5 record at the No. 4 singles position and a 10-3 mark in doubles flight No. 2.
The Redbirds have improved throughout their spring season, earning two Valley Athlete of the Week awards, as well as, currently being third in the MVC.
The Illinois State women's tennis team has seen stellar performances from its top three positions. Senior Katri Miller was recently named athlete of the week and holds an 18-14 record at the No. 1 singles spot. Sophomore Julia Zubkova leads the team in wins with a 22-9 singles mark in flight No. 2. Competing in the No. 3 singles position is senior Véronique Parke-Bédard. She has won her last seven matches, propelling her to a 19-10 tally.
