HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. - The Western Illinois men's tennis team competed in a pair of dual matches on Sunday, February 15, as the Leathernecks took on North Dakota and Chicago State in nonconference action. Western (0-8, 0-1 Summit League) fought hard but ultimately dropped a pair of 7-0 decisions.
The Purple and Gold opened the day taking on North Dakota. North Dakota opened the match by taking the doubles point with three victories. The duo of Pavlovic and Bunch fell 0-6 in the top spot, while Sanders and Smith dropped a 2-6 decision at No. 2 doubles. In the final match, Sawhney and Timberlake were unsuccessful, as they were defeated, 1-6.
In singles action,
Nikola Pavlovic would force a third set tiebreaker against Connor Oberle at the No. 2 position. After dropping the first set 6-7 (3-7), Pavlovic fought back to win a second set tiebreaker, 7-6 (7-3). In a 10-point tiebreaker to determine the match, Pavlovic fought, but ultimately fell, 7-10.
The other five singles matches also belonged to North Dakota, all in straight sets.
Chris Bunch once again occupied the top spot in singles, falling 1-6, 1-6.
Jacob Sanders (1-6, 0-6) and
Ross Smith (2-6, 1-6) dropped decisions at the No. 3 and 4 spots, respectively.
Surya Sawhney and
Anthony Timberlake were unable to secure victory at the No. 3 and 6 positions, as each fell, 0-6, 0-6.
"North Dakota began the match with a strong start and were able to maintain a high level of play during the entire match," said head coach
Mashiska Washington. We put forth a very good effort but were not able to earn the victory."
Western Illinois concluded the day against Chicago State, and the Cougars jumped out to a quick 1-0 team lead after sweeping the doubles point. Pavlovic and Bunch fell by a 2-8 score at No. 1, Sanders and Smith were unable to secure victory at No. 2 doubles (1-8), and Sawhney and Timberlake lost to the duo of Gonzalez/Wattley at the No. 3 position (0-8).
Once singles play began, the Cougars were able to pick up six straight-sets victories to conclude the match. Bunch dropped at match at the No. 1 spot (1-6, 2-6), while Pavlovic was forced to retire due to injury after being down 0-2. Sawhney (2-6, 3-6) and Sanders (0-6, 0-6) fell at the No. 3 and 4 spots, while Smith (1-6, 3-6) and Timberlake (0-6, 0-6) dropped decisions at the No. 5 and 6 slots.
The Leathernecks next compete on Saturday, March 7, when they play host to Oral Roberts in a Summit League dual. First serve is slated for 2 p.m. in Galesburg.
