UIC topped Illinois State 4-3, thanks to a dramatic win on the #2 singles court in the final match of the day.  With the team score tied at 3-all, Tamara Malazonia fought off numerous match points in the second set, any of which would have given the Redbirds the win.  After winning the set 7-6, she went on to a 6-3 win in the third set to give the Flames their third straight win.  It was their second win over a future Missouri Valley Conference-mate, and the preseason #1 team in the Valley.

"Tamara played with complete confidence and definitely took her commitment to win to another level," a proud Shannon Tully said.



Doubles Results

• Malazonia and Lea Forste-Dinell fell in a 6-4 set at #3.
• Agnes Gustafsson and Ana Jover also lost by a 6-4 final, at #1.
• Marina Hermanny de Figueiredo and Dominkia Hrabalova were knotted up at five when their set at #2 was called off.
• All three teams had the lead at some point during their set, but ultimately the Flames lost the doubles point for the second straight match.

Singles Results

• Gustafsson made quick work of her opponent on the #1 court, 6-3, 6-1, to pull the Flames even.
• Jover put UIC ahead with her 6-1, 6-3 win at #3.
• Hrabalova made it three straight singles wins for UIC by a 6-1, 6-3 win at #5.
• Illinois State got back into the match with a 6-2, 6-2 win over Hermanny on the #4 court.
• Forste-Dinell could not force a third set, going down 6-1, 7-5 at #6 to set up the winner-take-all match on the #2 court.
• With all the other action wrapped up, Malazonia faced a 6-0, 5-2 deficit in the second set and faced match point after match point.  She fended them all off, and with all eyes on her, went on to a 0-6, 7-6 (3), 6-3 win.

Up Next

• The Flames will close out their homestand on Friday.
• Pacific will visit XS Tennis for a 10:00 a.m. match.