SEATTLE, Wash. – After losing four straight matches, the Illinois State men's tennis team got back in the win column Monday afternoon with a 4-3 victory over Idaho.
"I have to give my guys a huge amount of credit for the fight they showed today and the support for one another," said head coach Mark Klysner. "I think that was the difference in us winning."
Illinois State (5-7, MVC 0-1) began the match dropping the doubles point. Junior duo Jakub Eisner and Rolando Torrellas fell just short in their No. 1 flight, while senior Muddappa Appanervanda and sophomore Dylan Steffens could not close out the Vandals' Odon Barta and Felipe Fonseca their No. 2 flight.
The Redbirds came back in singles play, with the team securing four of the six points. Eisner fought back in the No. 1 flight, defeating Idaho's Barta, 1-6, 6-4, 6-1. Torrellas, Steffens and freshman Christoffer Greve all beat their respective opponents Monday as well, giving ISU the 4-3 match win.
"We've had so many injuries and our lineup has been very inconsistent," said Klysner. "It's been tough trying to gain some momentum, but we'll enjoy this one and get back at it tomorrow."
Illinois State will wrap up its west coast spring break trip Tuesday, as the Redbirds are set to battle the Seattle Redhawks at 4 p.m. CST.
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