UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – No. 15 Fighting Illini men’s tennis defeated Penn State, 6-1, Friday evening at the Penn State Indoor Tennis Center.
Illinois goes to 10-5 on the year and 1-0 in Big Ten action while Penn State falls to 4-11 overall and 0-1 in conference competition.
“It’s great to open up the big ten season with a win,” assistant coach Tim Kopinksi said. “It’s never easy playing on the road butur guys handled the situation well. We’re looking forward to the challenge ahead in Columbus.”
Before the match, both head coaches agreed to play out instead of clinching.
No.4-ranked Karlis Ozolins and Hunter Heck began doubles play with a quick 6-1 win over Stefan Simeunovic and Jack Martuccio. No. 46- ranked Lucas Horve and Oliver Okonkwo clinched the doubles point with a 6-3 victory over Nolan Ranger and Ari Cotoulas.
No. 47-ranked Heck took down Simeunovic 6-2, 6-2 to begin singles while No. 55-ranked Kenta Miyoshi defeated Jack Martuccio, 6-0, 6-1.
After an Ozolins loss, Alex Petrov beat Ranger 6-3, 6-3 with newly ranked No. 166 Okonkwo taking down Cotoulas 6-2, 6-3.
William Mroz clinched the match with a 6-2, 6-2 victory over Alexander Sterin to seal the win for the Illini.
Up Next
Illinois will be back in action Sunday against No. 1 Ohio State at 11 a.m. CT at the Ty Tucker Tennis Center in Columbus, Ohio.
Results
Doubles competition
1. #46 Lucas Horve/Oliver Okonkwo (ILL)…
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