April 25, 2008

Final Stats

OMAHA, Neb. - Illinois State women's tennis team pulled out a 4-2 win against the Drake Bulldogs with the help of senior Carolyne Parent and junior Tanja Hrovatic, on Friday's portion of the State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Championship, in Omaha, Neb. The win propels the Redbirds to the semifinals where they will have the chance to compete against Wichita State or Evansville, on Saturday.

With the victory, the No. 3 Redbirds improve their overall record to 13-9, while No. 6 Drake ends its season with a 9-15 mark.

In singles action the Redbirds came to the courts ready to play. Sophomore Julia Zubkova continued her five-match winning streak as she defeated Irina Kalashnikova, 6-2, 3-0, after Kalashnikova defaulted at the No. 2 spot. In the No. 3 position Parent topped Daria Zawislak in straight sets of 6-0, 6-1. This win makes up for the loss Parent had to Zawislak, last time they met on April 5 during the regular season.

Hrovatic also won in straight sets to Sarah Plowman, 6-2, 6-1, in flight No. 4. The Redbirds took the last point with freshman Katie O'Riley at the No. 6 position as the Bulldogs had to forfeit the point because of an incomplete roster.

In doubles the `Birds were unable to take the point, despite the Bulldogs forfeit at the No. 3 spot. At the No. 1 position, senior Katri Miller and partner senior Véronique Parke-Bédard fell to Veronika Leszayova and Sarah Plowman, 8-4. Duo of Parent and Zubkova also fell to Kalashnikova and Kari Sloboth, 9-7, in flight No. 2.

"We made it interesting not winning the doubles point," said head coach Chris Hoover. "However, Julia, Carolyne and Tanja really came out ready to play today. In Saturday's competition we are going to have to play better across the board. We won't be able to win if we have even one or two players who are ready."

The Redbirds will fight for a chance to play in the State Farm Finals tomorrow with the first semifinal serve at 2 p.m.