Monday, 11/10/2008

Sept. 14, 2008 Redbirds End Tiger Invitational with Consolation Title COLUMBIA, Mo.—The Illinois State women’s tennis team finished play at the Mizzou Tiger Invitational Sunday as freshman Hannah Esker captured the consolation title in Flight B singles.   After losing the first set, Esker rallied back to win the second set along with the tiebreaker, defeating Caitlin McKenna of Saint Louis (SLU), 4-6, 6-4, 13-11.   “I am proud of the way Esker played today,” said head coach Chris Hoover. “She did not let the first-set loss get to her. She stayed with it and proved she can overcome setbacks.”     The rainy weather prevented the playing of the Flight A singles consolation final between junior Julia Zubkova and freshman Franziska Steinhardt.   In the Flight C consolation final, freshman Sarah Streitz fell to Kasia Tomalak (SLU), 6-3, 6-3, while the Redbird duo of Esker and senior Tanja Hrovatic also fell in the doubles consolation final.  Missouri’s (MU) Sofia Ayala and Maureen Modesto defeated the Redbird pair, 9-8 (8-6).   “Overall, I was happy with the team’s performance this weekend,” said Hoover. “It was a good start to prepare for the rest of the season.”   The Redbird women’s tennis team will resume play Sept. 26 at the UNLV Invitational in Las Vegas, Nev.   ###