March 20, 2009

CHICAGO - The UIC women's tennis team got back into action on Friday after a week hiatus, defeating the visiting Bowling Green Falcons, 5-2 this afternoon.

Mariya Kovaleva and Kristen McPhillips were the lone victorious doubles duo for the Flames (5-5), defeating Kelsey Jakupcin and Christine Chiricosta, 8-3. Bowling Green bested the No. 2 and 3 teams to claim the doubles point in the Falcons favor.

Upon entering singles action, however, the Flames took complete control, taking five of the six matches to clinch the team victory for UIC.

"I was very proud of how the girls played today," said head coach Shannon Tully.

Kovaleva moved up to the top singles slot for the first time this season, defeating Bowling Green's Jakupcin, 6-2, 6-1 to continue her success in her first season as a Flame.

Ilinca Cristescu, Kristen McPhillips, Elena Antakova and Jenna Reisch all made easy work of their opponents, with only Antakova being pushed to five points in her first set. The junior would defeat Katia Babina, 6-1 in the second set for the win.

The Flames cap off the weekend with a road trip to Illinois State tomorrow for a 1 p.m. match.

UIC 5, Bowling Green 2
March 20, 2009
Results

Doubles
1. Mariya Kovaleva/Kristen McPhillips (UIC) def. Kelsey Jakupcin/Christine Chiricosta (BG), 8-3
2. Samantha Kintzel/Jessica Easdale (BG) def. Ilinca Cristescu/Elena Antakova (UIC), 8-6
3. Stefanie Menoff/Libby Harrison (BG) def. Amy Jellish/Jenna Reisch (UIC), 8-3

Singles
1. Mariya Kovaleva (UIC) def. Kelsey Jakupcin (BG), 6-2, 6-1
2. Ilinca Cristescu (UIC) def. Christine Chiricosta (BG), 6-1, 6-2
3. Kristen McPhillips (UIC) def. Samantha Kintzel (BG), 6-1, 6-4
4. Elena Antakova (UIC) def. Katia Babina (BG), 7-5, 6-1
5. Stefanie Menoff (BG) def. Amy Jellish (UIC), 6-2, 6-0
6. Jenna Reisch (UIC) def. Libby Harrison (BG) 6-2, 6-3