ISU Improves To 3-1 In MVC Play With 5-2 Win Over UIC

NORMAL, Ill. – The Gregory Street Courts were once again the spot for an exciting Illinois State win on Saturday, as the Redbirds picked up a 5-2 win over UIC to improve to 3-1 in Missouri Valley Conference play and finish the weekend 2-0.

"I'm really proud of how we handled ourselves today in tough windy conditions and after losing the doubles point," ISU head coach Maja Kovacek said. "We played great singles top to bottom and it's really encouraging looking ahead to the rest of the MVC play."

UIC took an early lead by winning the doubles point, thanks to wins at the No. 1 and No. 2 spots despite a quick 6-0 win by ISU's No. 3 tandem of Zoe Limparis and Nuria Sanz.

Despite falling behind early in the match, the Redbirds rallied to win five of the six singles matches to pick up their third conference victory of the season. Tijana Zlatanovic defeated Agnes Gustafsson in short order 6-2, 6-3 at the No. 1 spot and Lana Caculovic battled back after dropping the first set to pick up a three-set win over Tamara Malazonia 5-7, 6-3, 10-6. Nevena Kolarevic and Silvia Pomarolli each picked up straight-set victories at the No. 3 and No. 4 spots, respectively, to extend the lead and the final point of the day came from Sanz in straight sets at the No. 5 spot. UIC would take the win on court No. 6 to bring the score to its final at 5-2.

ISU will have a full week off, before resuming MVC play on Sunday, April 7, at home against Bradley.

FINAL SCORE: Illinois State (5), UIC (2)

Doubles: 
No. 1 Agnes Gustafsson/Mayu Ushio (UIC) def. Lana Caculovic and Tijana Zlatanovic (ILS) 6-4
No. 2 Camille Belberka/Tamara Malazonia (UIC) def. Nevena Kolarevic/Silvia Pomarolli (ILS) 6-4
No. 3 Zoe Limparis/Nuria Sanz (ILS) def. P. Rodriguez Gregoris/Zara Ryan (UIC) 6-0

Singles:
No. 1 Tijana Zlatanovic (ILS) def. Agnes Gustafsson (UIC) 6-2, 6-3
No. 2 Lana Caculovic (ILS) def. Tamara Malazonia (UIC) 5-7, 6-3, 10-6
No. 3 Nevena Kolarevic (ILS) def. Mayu Ushio (UIC) 6-1, 6-3
No. 4 Silvia Pomarolli (ILS) def. Camille Belberka (UIC) 6-3, 6-2
No. 5 Nuria Sanz (ILS) def. Zara Ryan (UIC) 6-4, 6-1
No. 6 Anais Brion (UIC) def. Sofia Rodrigo (ILS) 3-6, 6-4, 10-3

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