Oct. 9, 2011
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -
Alexander Pelaez won 2-of-2 singles matches in the Illinois Challenger Pre-Qualifying Tournament at the Atkins Tennis Center in CHAMPAIGN, Ill. on Sunday. The Redbirds won 5-of-9 matches overall.
Assistant Coach Branko Kuzmanovic is impressed with Pelaez's play.
"Alex has been playing at a very high level lately," said Kuzmanovic. "He proved himself last week at the All-American as well as this weekend. I think he has been working really hard and is maturing as a player. He is doing some great things and winning against some good players pretty comfortably."
Tuomas Manner won 1-of-2 singles matches at the tournament.
"Tuomas came up short this afternoon," said Kuzmanovic. "He had a good week of play, though, and definitely continues to improve. We are looking forward to him building up for regionals next weekend."
Kuzmanovic believes the 'Birds need to become more mentally tough in order to be properly prepared for the next tournament.
"We just need to work on competing from the first to the last point," said Kuzmanovic.
Pelaez will compete in the finals round of the Illinois Challenger Pre-Qualifying Tournament on Monday. ISU will compete in the ITA Regional Tournament next Thursday.
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