Feb. 7, 2009
Results
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -
Illinois State's men's tennis team fell 7-0, to No.47 Arkansas, Saturday at the Schwartz Tennis Center in West LaFayette, Ind. Sophomore Timon Reichelt was unable to earn the singles point for the Redbirds, as he was defeated in the second-set tiebreaker in No. 2 singles. The loss dropped the Redbirds' record to 2-2 on the season.
Illinois State was unable to claim victories in either singles or doubles competition. Despite the loss, head coach Cris James felt that the Redbirds played competitively.
"We have talent at all positions," said James. "We just have to maintain our intensity constantly throughout each match. There were opportunities for us to gain a little, but I am not sure it would have been enough for the overall team win."
In singles, Reichelt tried to grab the lone point for the Redbirds, but was unable to carry nationally ranked No. 39 Matt Hogan into a third set; losing in the second-set tiebreaker, 6-3, 7-6 (6), at the No. 2 position. Filip Miljevic lost, 6-1, 6-0, against Blake Strode, who is nationally ranked No. 15 individually in singles at the No. 1 spot.
Arkansas swept Illinois State in all three doubles matches. Senior Daniel Tobar and freshman Skip Span battled against the No. 14 doubles team in the nation of Strode and Hogan for the victory at the No. 1 doubles spot, but could not stop the Razorbacks, falling 8-5.
"Daniel and Skip put up a fight," said James. "However, we weren't able to match the intensity level at the No. 2 and No. 3 doubles. I take pride in and continually emphasize the importance of winning the doubles' point. There are a few fundamental aspects we'll be focusing on this coming week."
The Redbirds resume play next weekend when they travel to Iowa City, Iowa. Illinois State will face Iowa Friday, Feb. 13, at 3:30 p.m., and Western Michigan at 1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 14.
