Redbirds Sweep UIS In Home Opener, 7-0

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Being home never felt so good for Illinois State, as the Redbirds (2-1) cruised to a 7-0 win over Illinois-Springfield Friday afternoon at the Evergreen Racquet Club.

"It was a good win for us today," ISU head coach Maja Kovacek said. "I'm happy with the way we handled ourselves and came through in a couple of close sets."

The Redbirds took the early advantage, winning the doubles point in quick fashion. The No. 1 team of Tijana Zlatanovic and Tara Damnjanovic picked up a 6-1 win, the No. 2 duo of Penelope Abreu and Alexandra Abyasova won 6-3, and the No. 3 tandem of Maria Potsi and Elena Jankulovska earned a 6-2 win to complete the sweep.

ISU kept rolling in singles action, winning all six matches in straight sets. Abyasova was first to record a point at No. 2, with a quick 6-0, 6-3 win over UIS' Carmen Llopis Fabra. Jankulovska also cruised to a 6-1, 6-0 win at No. 4 to make it 3-0 in favor of the Redbirds. 

At the No. 5 spot, Abreu wasted little time in securing a 6-1, 6-3 win and Laura Fitzgerald was strong at No. 6 with a 6-2, 6-1 win. On court No. 1, Zlatanovic battled back to win the first set in a tiebreaker 7-6 (7-2) and then won set two 6-2 to keep the win streak alive for the Redbirds. Damjanovic also battled to a victory, winning the first set in a close tiebreaker after being behind early and then won 7-5 in set two to pick up the victory.

ISU returns to action tomorrow to wrap up its weekend homestand against Chicago State, with first serve set for 4:30 p.m. at Evergreen Racquet Club.

FINAL RESULTS: Illinois State (7), Illinois-Springfield (0)
 
Singles competition
1. Tijana Zlatanovic (ILS) def. Sina Skjelstad (UIS) 7-6 (7-2), 6-2
2. Alexandra Abyasova (ILS) def. Carmen Llopis Fabra (UIS) 6-0, 6-3
3. Tara Damnjanovic (ILS) def. Piper Schrepferman (UIS) 7-6 (7-5), 7-5
4. Elena Jankulovska (ILS) def. Neha Mokhasi (UIS) 6-1, 6-0
5. Penelope Abreu (ILS) def. Kamila Kalinowska (UIS) 6-1, 6-3
6. Laura Fitzgerald (ILS) def. Franca Bucco (UIS) 6-2, 6-1

Doubles competition
1. Tijana Zlatanovic/Tara Damnjanovic (ILS) def. Sina Skjelstad/Neha Mokhasi (UIS) 6-1
2. Penelope Abreu/Alexandra Abyasova (ILS) def. Carmen Llopis Fabra/Franca Bucco (UIS) 6-3
3. Maria Potsi/Elena Jankulovska (ILS) def. Piper Schrepferman/Riann Hsu (UIS) 6-2

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