April 24, 2003

MEN'S TOURNAMENT BRACKET
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WOMEN'S TOURNAMENT BRACKET
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Chicago, Ill. - Both UIC tennis teams have reached the pinnacle point in their seasons, as they prepare for this weekend's Horizon League Championships in Indianapolis, Indiana at North Central High School.

For the women's team, head coach Shannon Tully is looking for her second league title in as many years at the helm. Overall, the Flames (7-0 in league play this season) are searching for their seventh-straight league crown and fifth consecutive NCAA Tournament berth.

Currently the Flames are 14-6 on the ledger and carry the #1 seed into this weekend's tourney where they will open play against #8 Cleveland State on Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m.

Nicole Derouin paces UIC and has a chance to top the all-time wins chart this weekend. With 81 career singles win, UIC's No.1 player is just two wins shy of Emina Curic who currently tops the list with 83 victories from 1997-2000.

Veterans Ayca Gumuscu and Zorica and Zvjezdana Malesevic have welcomed newcomers Corey Steven, Molly Smith and Athanasia Giannoulopoulou with open arms and the Flames have been solid all year long.

On the men's side, UIC (8-7, 3-2, Horizon League) has drawn the #3 seed in the tournament and will face off against Youngstown State for the second-straight season in the first round on Saturday at 9:00 a.m.

Head coach Hans Neufeld has blended crafty veterans with talented newcomers in such a way that the Flames are playing quite well at the most crucial of times.

All-time wins leader Nick Bodmer leads the Flames, and has been on fire of late winning his last seven singles matches at the No.1 slot. He has also been awarded the last two league player of the week honors.

Newcomers John Cincola, Yevgen Ryeznik, Pat Zufanand James Wonneberg have complimented returnees Neil Ahluwalia, Amol Desai and Ken Howrey quite well.

Check out the tournament brackets for more information and match times.