CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illinois State men's tennis team was back on Saturday for day three of the ITA Midwest Regionals, hosted by the University of Illinois. After two days of activity, the Redbirds had a pair of singles matches ahead of them.
"Today we wrapped up the tournament with some tough matches," ISU head coach Mark Klysner said. "Both Arvid and Nam were up against the numbers 5 and 10 seeds respectfully and although we didn't get the result we wanted, the boys played great and gave themselves a chance."
Senior Arvid Hjalte was on a hot streak, winning his first three matches of the tournament to make it to Saturday. After going through the qualifying rounds, Hjalte was up against Hunter Heck of the hometown Illini. Heck would come out strong, winning the first set 6-1. In the second set, Heck would continue his strong play, closing out the match with a 6-3 set two win.
Meanwhile, fellow 'Bird, Nam Pham, was getting his first singles action of the tournament. He would face a tough test, Ohio State's Jack Anthrop. After dropping the first set 6-3, Pham would try to respond and even the match at one set apiece. However, Anthrop did not let up as he would win set two, and the match, 6-2.
"We picked up a lot of wins over three days so I would say that's a success considering the level of competition," Klysner said.
The Redbirds return to action in a couple weeks as they head to Des Moines for the Drake Invite from November 11-13.
RESULTS:
Singles Main Draw (Round of 32)
Hunter Heck (ILL) def. Arvid Hjalte (ISU) 6-1, 6-3
Jack Anthrop (OSU) def. Nam Pham (ISU) 6-3, 6-2
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