March 2, 2012
Box Score
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. -
In the spring season opener, the Illinois State women's tennis team (4-5) snapped a two game losing streak to defeat in-state rival Eastern Illinois, 7-0. The Redbirds have not lost to Eastern Illinois since head coach Chris Hoover began in 1994.
"It was a good win," said Hoover. "The girls fought hard today, and it was nice to add a win to the board. They deserved this win today, the way they played."
In the third position, Hannah Esker and Heather Nisbet began their match 0-3 against Eastern Illinois' Kristen Laird and Annie Egan, but won the next six consecutive matches. In the end, the pair came out on top over Eastern, winning the match 8-4. Phyllis Tigges and Ariane Maack in flight two only allowed the Panthers to post one point before they won the match over Amanda Dibbs and Jennifer Kim, 8-1. Aniko Kiss and Emmie Marx fell in No. 1 doubles against Janelle Prinser and Merritt Whitley, 8-4. The pair of Redbird wins in doubles clinched the first point for ISU.
Stefanie Youngberg started singles play for the Redbirds, refusing to give up any points in either of her games. She swept EIU's Egan in a quick two sets, 6-0, 6-0. Esker beat Laird for the second time of the day in flight six, besting her 6-1, 6-4, and Carolina Abello came out on top of Dibbs, 1-6, 6-4, . Tigges fought against opponent Kim for three sets, trading points until Tigges pulled ahead and won the match-up,
In her opening match in the No. 2 position, Emmie Marx also defeated her doubles opponent Whitley, 6-2, 6-0. In a similar fashion, Kiss downed her doubles opponent, Prinser, in two sets, 6-2, 6-1.
Team captain Esker, who won both of her matches, was energized by the performance of the team.
"I think it went well," said Esker. "It could've been better in some parts, so we'll fight harder tomorrow. I'm glad we got the win, and I am looking forward to play tomorrow."
The Redbirds return to the road in hopes to even their record on Saturday against Butler at 4 p.m. in Indianapolis.
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