RESULTS
KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Redbirds (0-2) competed in their second match of opening weekend against Western Michigan (6-1) Sunday in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
"I was very happy and impressed with the guys this weekend. The results were not what we wanted, but playing two teams that were in the NCAA gave us a great test to see where we are at and what we need to improve on," head coach Mark Klysner said. "Last night there were a lot of nerves and with it being the first match for a lot of our new guys I think we played a little tight, but today was very different and we almost pulled off the win."
Western Michigan picked up the doubles point by downing Illinois State in the No. 1 and No. 3 spots. The Redbirds earned a doubles victory by Andreas Boers and Pol Botifoll Rius. Boers and Rius defeated Jannik Opitz and Billy Heckman, 7-5.
Western Michigan defeated Illinois State in the No. 4 spot for the first singles point.
Illinois State made a comeback by topping the Broncos in the No. 2 and No. 3 spots of singles behind Igor Kolaric and Boers. Boers earned a singles win over Kennosuke Nouchi, 6-4, 6-3. Kolaric overcame Jannik Opitz, 7-6, 6-4 leaving the Redbirds down 3-2.
The Broncos topped the Redbirds in the final two matches for the 5-2 margin.
The Redbirds will be back in action Feb. 2 for matches against Toledo at 1 p.m. and Illinois Springfield at 6 p.m. at the Bloomington Tennis Center.
Western Michigan 5, Illinois State: 2
Order of Finish:
Doubles: 1, 3, 2
Singles: 4, 1, 3, 2, ,5, 6
GoRedbirds.com: Your online source for Illinois State Athletics, tickets, Weisbecker Scholarship Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.
