Monday, 11/10/2008

Sept. 13, 2008 Success Finds ISU on Day Two of Tiger Invitational COLUMBIA, Mo.—Freshman Hannah Esker and senior Tanja Hrovatic advanced to the doubles consolation finals as Illinois State’s women’s tennis team competed at day two of the Mizzou Tiger Invitational Saturday. Four Redbirds also advanced to the singles consolation finals including senior Julia Zubkova and freshman Franziska Steinhardt, who are set to play each other in Flight A.   The pair of Esker and Hrovatic defeated Caitlin Bokulic and Kasia Tomalak of Saint Louis (SLU), 8-3, to grab a spot in Sunday’s consolation doubles final.  Redbird teammates Zubkova and Steinhardt fell to Missouri’s (MU) Kaitlyn Ritchie and Jessica Giuggioli, 9-8(0).   In Flight A singles play, Zubkova bested Jillian Yakominich (UMKC), 6-1, 6-1, in the second round. Zubkova went on to defeat Drake’s (DU) Gabriela Demos, 7-6, 6-0, to guarantee her spot in the back-draw singles Flight A finals.  Zubkova will play teammate Steinhardt in the consolation finals after Steinhardt bested Emily Lindsay (UMKC) in the second round and Morgan Rainey (DU), 7-5, 6-2, in the third round of play. Hrovatic fell to Jessica Giuggioli (MU), 6-3, 6-2.   In Flight B singles play, Esker also advanced to consolation finals by defeating Holly Davis (UMKC), 6-0, 6-0. However, sophomore Carmen Peters did not advance falling to Kari Sloboth (DU), 6-3, 2-6, 11-9.   In Flight C singles play, freshman Sarah Streitz also advanced to the consolation finals after beating Caitlin Burke (UMKC), 6-3, 6-3.   Overall, head coach Chris Hoover was pleased with Saturday’s results.   “I saw a lot of improvement on the courts over yesterday’s performance,” said Hoover. “The girls learned this weekend that their biggest enemy is themselves. If they play to their potential, they can accomplish the wins.”   Play concludes Sunday with the consolation finals.   ###