UIC got off to a hot start in Horizon League play with a 5-2 win over Northern Kentucky Saturday night.  The Flames carried momentum from winning the doubles point into victories in three of the first four singles matches in the conference opener.

"We had a great effort in doubles and continued right into singles where we played solid at all positions," head coach Hans Neufeld said.  "Johan and Anthony were on top of their games tonight.  Kasper closed out the win in convincing fashion."

Doubles Results

• Johan Hedstrom and Kasper Parlklo took care of their Norse opponents, 6-2, at #2.  It was the third straight win for the duo.
• Niko Wasilewicz and William Wale fell in a 6-4 set, shifting the focus to the #3 court.
• In the decisive match, Marcelo Dib and Kailash Panchapakesan were 6-2 winners.  The pair won for the second time in as many outings since Dib's return from injury.

Singles Results

• Anthony Nguyen got the singles competition started on the right foot with a 6-2, 6-2 win at #5.
• Hedstrom was also a straight sets winner, taking his match at #1 by the same 2-and-2 score.  He now has two straight wins in the #1 slot.
• Northern Kentucky got on the board when Wasilewicz fell by a 7-5, 6-3 count at #2.
• Parlklo clinched the team win with a 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 win at #3.
• Pelle Strandberg became the third Flame, following Nguyen and Parlklo, to win his Horizon League debut, when he emerged victorious victory on the #6 court, 6-4, 7-6.
• Panchapakesan was the last to finish as two lengthy sets went his opponent's way, 7-5, 6-4.

Up Next

• The Flames will continue their Horizon League road trip Sunday.
• A noon match at Wright State will test the team after a short turnaround.