HOMEWOOD, Ill. - The UIC Flames (1-10) fell to the Chicago State Cougars (6-9), 4-3. UIC put up an incredible effort in their matches, pushing the Cougars to the brink in singles play. The Flames will be back in action this Saturday against the Fighting Illini of Illinois.

The Flames fell flat in doubles play against the Cougars, dropping all three matches. UIC has struggled with doubles early this season but continues to grow with more experience.

In singles, the Flames showed a massive uptick in their efforts against the Cougars. Ammar Wazir, Francesco Tacconi, and Kevin Kruzel each picked up victories in Wednesday's matches. 

"Francesco Tacconi had a great battle in the three-set victory," said head coach Hans Neufeld. Tacconi won the first and third set, going 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 against his opponent.

"Pelle Strandberg battled and came back from 3-1 in the third set to lose a tough tiebreaker," said Neufeld. "Sometimes it's not the result, but the effort that counts. We can build on this match." 

The Flames will look to grow from this competitive battle against Illinois. UIC is scheduled to take on the Illini on Saturday, Mar. 5, at noon.