Brad Dancer Head Coach | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Brad Dancer Head Coach | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
URBANA, Ill. – The No. 11 Fighting Illini men's tennis team faced a challenging match against No. 1 Ohio State at the Atkins Tennis Center on Wednesday evening, resulting in a 4-1 loss.
"Atkins Tennis Center is an exhilarating place to play, so big credit to Ohio State," said head coach Brad Dancer. "They beat us at two really good spots in doubles and that helped propel them into singles. Whether we're walking away with a win or a loss tonight, we still got an awesome opportunity on Sunday with No. 7 Arizona coming here."
The doubles matches began with Lucas Horve and Oliver Okonkwo suffering a 6-1 defeat against Robert Cash and Justin Boulais. Karlis Ozolins and Hunter Heck secured a victory over Cannon Kingsley and JJ Tracy, winning 6-1. However, Ohio State claimed the doubles point when Jack Anthrop and Alexander Bernard defeated Mathis Debru and Kenta Miyoshi 6-2.
In singles competition, Karlis Ozolins provided Illinois with their only point by defeating Justin Boulais 7-6 (2), 6-0 after one of three first-set tie breaks went in Illinois' favor.
Looking ahead, Illinois will host another top-ranked opponent as they prepare for a match against No. 7 Arizona on Sunday at Atkins Tennis Center.
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