Feb. 17, 2012
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. -
The Illinois State men's tennis team won their dual match against Xavier Friday at the Evergreen Racquet Club in Bloomington, Ill. The Redbirds won 4-of-6 matches in singles action and lost 2-of-3 matches in doubles play.
Alexander Pelaez and Muddappa Appanervanda were defeated first in No. 1 doubles play against Jimmy Roebker and Mesa Mei, 8-3. Finishing second in the No. 3 spot, Jusso Ojanen and Skip Span lost to Michael Moe and Marc Pretorius, 8-4.
Head coach Cris James was impressed with Jordan Badenko and Willi Peter's performance in doubles action.
"Jordan and Willi stayed really aggressive," said James. "They made the other guys worry about what was coming at them from us instead of us having to worry about what they were bringing."
Badenko and Peter were able to turn it around for the `Birds in No. 2 doubles play to beat Richard Canelas and Brandon MacDonald, 8-6.
Despite an injury, Tuomas Manner dominated in No. 2 singles action beating Mesa Mei, 6-1, 6-0.
"Tuomas has a shoulder injury he's dealing with," said James. "We tried to give him a little rest in doubles but we needed him for singles. I think he just decided mentally that he wasn't losing today."
Span and Pelaez played strong in singles, as well. Richard Canelas was defeated by Span in No. 3 singles action, 6-1, 6-1 while Pelaez beat Jimmy Roebker in the No. 1 spot, 6-4, 6-3.
Peter and Ojanen both took their matches to three sets. Peter lost to Michael Moe in the No. 5 position, 6-3, 4-6, 0-6 while Jusso won his match in the No. 4 spot against Brandon MacDonald, 6-3, 6-7, 6-2, giving the `Birds their win, overall.
"Jusso was doing well in the match when he was playing smart," said James. "He has been a strong player for us this season and I look forward to continuing to watch him develop."
James is excited about his team's win, especially after losing their two dual matches before it.
"I think our guys had the determination to finish," said James. "We needed a win to get some confidence so hopefully we will come out against Iowa and play even better."
Illinois State will take on Iowa Saturday at the Evergreen Racquet Club in Bloomington, Ill. Play is set to begin at 2:30 p.m.
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