Sept. 12, 2008
Results
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -
Two members of the Illinois State men's tennis team participated in the first day of the Indiana Hoosier Classic Friday. Junior Xavier Riart-Ferrer and freshman Skip Span both participated in singles and doubles competition at the tournament.
The `Birds started the day with a first round doubles victory as the Riart-Ferrer and Span duo defeated Benjamin Raynauld and Stephen McLoughlin (Butler), 8-4, in the Doubles Top bracket. The duo then fell to Lachlan Ferguson and Peter Antons (Indiana), 8-3, in the quarterfinals. The pair will compete in a consolation match Saturday morning at 8 a.m.
"The guys started off well," said head coach Cris James. "Butler was a good competitor. We played with confidence and worked well off each other. Our match against Indiana was tough. We looked strong, but we need to be more aggressive in certain areas."
In singles action, Span advanced to the quarterfinals of the Crimson Flight by defeating Austin Brooks (Michigan State) in a three-set match, 6-3, 5-7, 6-2. Riart-Ferrer fell to Jason Norville (Michigan State), 6-4, 6-2, in the Hoosier Flight. Span will face Jonathan Schroeder (Indiana) in the quarterfinals Saturday at 10 a.m. Riart-Ferrer goes head-to-head with Brandon Bayliss (Butler) in a back draw match at noon.
"I was impressed with how steady Skip looked in his first match," said James. "He had some difficulties in his second set, but he managed to pull it together and take the third set."
"Xavier didn't play his best game today," added James. "It has been six months since he has competed and he has some things to adjust to after his surgery. However, the goal of the tournament is to improve with every match. I am hoping he can put it together for tomorrow."
