With our scheduled outdoor matches against Indiana, Iowa and Minnesota being pushed indoors because of rain and cold, our team was eager to compete against Kentucky at the new Khan outdoor complex in Champaign, even if the conditions were less than ideal. ITA rules state that the temperature must be above 50 degrees, and that the winds must not exceed a sustained speed of 20 mph. I believe that the temperature was 49 and the winds were at 17-18, so outdoor play was approved.
Kentucky is a talented young team. Last year, in Lexington, we earned a hard-fought victory in cold, windy conditions. We were looking for a similar result. The doubles was extremely hard fought. We split 2 and 3 doubles, bringing the doubles point decision down to the freshman duo of Dennis and Ruan at number 1 doubles. These guys couldn't have done a better job of going after it and staying aggressive in the tightest moments. They triumphed in a tiebreaker, taking the set 9-8 and the doubles point for the Fighting Illini. This point turned out to be essential as we captured the match 4-3.
Rain and freezing cold inhibited our ability to practice outside over the next few days. However, we knew that our two Big Ten matches (Penn State and Ohio State) over the weekend would most likely be played outside. Saturday's match brought conditions very similar to Wednesday's; windy and maybe slightly warmer. Doubles wasn't perhaps where we want it to be, but singles was probably the best we have performed all year. Our squad took four of the six singles matches very quickly, and then pulled out victories at 4 and 6 to take our first 7-0 triumph in the Big Ten. We were all excited and ready for the challenge of facing the Buckeyes on Sunday.
Sunday was senior day, giving us the opportunity to honor Marc Spicijaric. Marc has been a tremendous force on our team for all four of his years. He was instrumental in the run to the NCAA finals in 2007, and has been so valuable for us again this year. Unfortunately, our team fell to a solid Ohio State team 6-1. We are eager to redeem ourselves at the Big Ten tournament in two weeks time. However, before that, we will need to meet the challenge of playing Michigan and Michigan State, both away, this coming weekend. Hopefully we will put ourselves in a position to succeed.
Kentucky is a talented young team. Last year, in Lexington, we earned a hard-fought victory in cold, windy conditions. We were looking for a similar result. The doubles was extremely hard fought. We split 2 and 3 doubles, bringing the doubles point decision down to the freshman duo of Dennis and Ruan at number 1 doubles. These guys couldn't have done a better job of going after it and staying aggressive in the tightest moments. They triumphed in a tiebreaker, taking the set 9-8 and the doubles point for the Fighting Illini. This point turned out to be essential as we captured the match 4-3.
Rain and freezing cold inhibited our ability to practice outside over the next few days. However, we knew that our two Big Ten matches (Penn State and Ohio State) over the weekend would most likely be played outside. Saturday's match brought conditions very similar to Wednesday's; windy and maybe slightly warmer. Doubles wasn't perhaps where we want it to be, but singles was probably the best we have performed all year. Our squad took four of the six singles matches very quickly, and then pulled out victories at 4 and 6 to take our first 7-0 triumph in the Big Ten. We were all excited and ready for the challenge of facing the Buckeyes on Sunday.
Sunday was senior day, giving us the opportunity to honor Marc Spicijaric. Marc has been a tremendous force on our team for all four of his years. He was instrumental in the run to the NCAA finals in 2007, and has been so valuable for us again this year. Unfortunately, our team fell to a solid Ohio State team 6-1. We are eager to redeem ourselves at the Big Ten tournament in two weeks time. However, before that, we will need to meet the challenge of playing Michigan and Michigan State, both away, this coming weekend. Hopefully we will put ourselves in a position to succeed.
Until next time,
Abe
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