Redbirds Edged By Marquette On The Road, 4-3

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – Illinois State and Marquette took nearly every contest to the limit in an extremely even match Saturday afternoon, but the Redbirds couldn't quite pull off the road victory as the Golden Eagles held on for a narrow 4-3 win at the Helfaer Tennis Stadium.

Marquette took the early advantage by winning the doubles point with wins at No. 1 and No.   2 before the action switched to singles. Those singles matches were extremely tight, with five of the six going to three sets. The only match that did not go the distance was at No. 1, which was won by Marquette.

At No. 2, Alexandra Abyasova defeated Emilija Kojcic by a score of 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 and at No. 3 Maria Potsi took down Elizabeth Ferdman after losing the first set 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 to pick up another point for the Redbirds. The other singles point for ISU came from Elena Jankulovska at No. 6, who picked up a 6-2, 5-7, 6-3 victory over Nicole Hopman. However, Marquette was able to add three-set wins at No. 4 and No. 5 to secure the win over the Redbirds.

Illinois State will continue its spring break trip on Tuesday, March 8, when the Redbirds travel to Las Vegas to take on Grand Canyon. First serve is set for 9 a.m. 

Final Results: Marquette (4), Illinois State (3)

Singles competition
1. Natalija Popovic (MU) def. Tijana Zlatanovic (ILS) 6-1, 6-2
2. Alexandra Abyasova (ILS) def. Emilija Kojcic (MU) 6-3, 3-6, 7-6
3. Maria Potsi (ILS) def. Elizabeth Ferdman (MU) 3-6, 6-2, 6-2
4. Elisabeth Desmarais (MU) def. Tara Damnjanovic (ILS) 1-6, 6-2, 6-2
5. Lara Kaiser (MU) def. Penelope Abreu (ILS) 6-3, 3-6, 6-3
6. Elena Jankulovska (ILS) def. Nicole Hopman (MU) 6-2, 5-7, 6-3

Doubles competition
1. Natalija Popovic/Emilija Kojcic (MU) def. Tijana Zlatanovic/Tara Damnjanovic (ILS) 6-3
2. Giulia Turconi/Lara Kaiser (MU) def. Maria Potsi/Penelope Abreu (ILS) 6-2
3. Elisabeth Desmarais/Elizabeth Ferdman (MU) vs. Alexandra Abyasova/Laura Fitzgerald (ILS) unfinished

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