Illinois tennis doesn't get a lot of press, which is unfortunate because it's one of the best D-1 level program the U of I has. Just four years ago they went 32-0 and won the national championship, something no team other than USC, Stanford, Georgia or UCLA had done since 1977. This year the team is already looking towards another championship.
Coming into opening weekend, the Illini were already ranked in the top 5 and ready to show no. 10 Pepperdine why. The Waves, however, are accustom to success of their own, having taken the national championship last year. The Illini, behind the junior class, took the season opening victory 4-3.
Said Coach Brad Dancer:
Pepperdine is a very talented team, and it was great to start the season with a victory over such a tough opponent. I was very impressed with our junior class, they stayed composed and level headed throughout their matches and came through in a big way for us. We still have a lot of work to do, but we can build on this win and only get better as the season progresses.
The junior class is impressive indeed, boasting the number 11 and number 23 singles players in the country. So, let's review:
Talented Juniors
Second Year Head Coach
Top 5 Early Ranking
Hmm...this seems to remind me of a certain Illinois team from 2004-2005. Of course I don't want to get unreasonably optimistic, after all, my major knowledge of tennis comes from playing it on the Wii. But maybe, just maybe, another championship trophy will come home to the Atkins Tennis Center.
No. 5 Illinois Topples No. 10 Pepperdine (Fightingillini.com)
Wii Carnage (Wiihaveaproblem)
No comments:
Post a Comment