CHICAGO – The Illinois State men's tennis team defeated UIC, 4-3, Saturday, March 3 at the Hinsdale Raquet Club in Chicago, Illinois.
"What a gritty win for the boys tonight. On a night where we didn't play our best and UIC played some great tennis, I couldn't be more proud of how my guys handled the moment," head coach Mark Klysner said. "On a day that didn't look like things would go our way, they fought until the end. We will take the win and now look forward to spring break."
With the victory over the Flames, the Redbirds extended their win streak to five and improved their record to 10-3 overall.
The 'Birds faced a 1-0 deficit after UIC collected wins in both the No. 3 and No. 2 spots of doubles.
Igor Kolaric evened the score 1-1 when he defeated Johan Hedstrom in flight one of singles. The Flames took the next point behind Niko Wasilewicz, who narrowly defeated Diego Le Gal Perez in a three-setter. Pol Botifoll Rius brought the score to 2-2 by overcoming Anthony Nguyen in the five spot. UIC took the lead with K Panchapakesan topping Aleksa Lazarevic in flight four of singles. Egehan Sertkaya picked up the 'Birds by capturing a match against Pelle Strandberg. Jorge Adair Bartra Quispe clinched the match for Illinois State by earning a victory in the No. 3 spot.
After a short break, the Redbirds will travel west for spring break. The team will face off will Southern Utah, UNLV and University of California Riverside, March 11 through March 14.
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