Feb. 4, 2009
NORMAL, Ill. -
Freshman Skip Span was selected as the Missouri Valley Conference Athlete of the Week for the week of Feb. 2. This marks the first such honor for Span on his collegiate career. Span helped Illinois State begin its spring season with a 2-0 record, by capturing two singles wins at the No. 3 spot and two doubles victories at the No. 1 position.
On Saturday, Span battled against Illinois-Chicago's Dan Wilson to win the three-set match, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4, to gain the match point and team victory, as the Redbirds slid past UIC with a 4-3 win. In doubles, Span and senior Daniel Tobar beat Sebastian Lysted and Dave Robare, 8-5, to earn the doubles' point.
Against Eastern Illinois, Span topped Vuk Milicevic in two sets, 6-3, 6-2, while Span and Tobar posted an 8-2 in doubles over Jeff Rutherford and Milicevic.
"It's nice for Skip to get this honor as a freshman," said head coach Cris James. "The whole team has been working hard to be successful, and in team competition it's a cool feeling to be in the decisive match and to clinch the win for your team."
The Illinois State men's tennis team is headed to West Lafayette this weekend to take on Purdue, Friday, Feb. 7 at 5 p.m., and Arkansas, Feb. 8 at 2:30 p.m.
