UIC fell to Grand Valley State, 5-2, in the Flames' lone dual match of the fall.

The Lakers won the doubles point, and despite a very encouraging debut by Ammar Wazir, and a comeback win by Pelle Strandberg, UIC could not overcome Grand Valley State's early lead.

Doubles Results

• Pelle Strandberg and Francesco Tacconi fell on the #1 court, 6-2.
• Ammar Wazir and Kevin Kruzel paired up at #2, where they lost a tightly contested set, 7-6 (5).
• Gustavo Schwebel and Luiz Dos Santos were the Flames' #3 team.  They dropped a 7-5 decision.  "We have to improve our movement in doubles to be able to finish points consistently," Hans Neufeld said.

Singles Results

• Strandberg rallied at #1 to take a 4-6, 6-1, 6-2 match.  "Pelle had a nice comeback win, staying focused and keeping a relentless attack," Neufeld said.  "His conditioning was a key to the win."
• Schwebel was slotted in the #2 flight.  He won the first set, but could not string games together thereafter in a 5-7, 6-1, 6-1 loss.
• Wazir impressed in his dual match debut.  He had a strong, 6-4, 6-0 win at #3.  "Ammar was solid in his approach," Neufeld observed.  "While going down 3-0 in the first set, he reduced errors and took the first set, winning 12 of the next 13 games to finish the match."
• Kruzel battled at #4 but fell in a 7-5, 6-2 final.
• Theo Duclos forced a third set after dropping the first.  His opponent closed out a 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 win.
• Artem Iermolov rounded out the lineup.  He lost 6-2, 6-0 at #6.

Up Next

• The Flames will have one more competition this fall, at the Redbird Invitational at Illinois State.
• The three-day event will begin next Friday.