Zeke Clark Assistant Coach | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Zeke Clark Assistant Coach | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
No. 11 men's tennis faced a setback against Oklahoma State, losing 4-2 at the Greenwood Tennis Center on Saturday afternoon.
"We came with an urgency in doubles that we haven't had since the beginning of the season," head coach Brad Dancer commented. "I have a strong belief in our doubles and the teams we are putting out."
Dancer acknowledged Oklahoma State's performance, stating, "Oklahoma State did a great job of getting back into and taking some first sets. We didn't stay dialed in enough. We let the moment get to us. I'm disappointed that we, as coaches, don't have our players more ready for this moment. We need to get focused."
In doubles play, Kenta Miyoshi and Mathis Debru defeated Goran Zgola and Francisco Pini 6-0. Karlis Ozolins and Hunter Heck secured another point with a 6-4 victory over Alessio Basile and Isaac Becroft.
Oliver Okonkwo added another point for Illinois by winning against Basile with scores of 6-1, 6-4.
However, consecutive losses from Heck and Miyoshi allowed Oklahoma State to clinch the match when Becroft defeated No. 30-ranked Ozolins with scores of 6-4, 6-7 (1), 6-3.
Illinois will next face Penn State on March 22 at University Park as they begin Big Ten competition.
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