Leathernecks Fall to Prairie Stars in Home Opener

Nikola Pavlovic collects Leatherneck victory as Western fall to Illinois-Springfield

Box Score

GALESBURG, Ill. – Nikola Pavlovic's victory at No. 1 singles highlighted the Western Illinois men's tennis team's home opener Saturday (Feb. 6) in Galesburg. The senior's victory wasn't enough, however, as the Leathernecks fell to Illinois-Springfield by a 6-1 final. Western's record moves to 0-2 on the year while the Prairie Stars improve to 4-1 on the year.

"Today's match was competitive for our team," said head coach Mashiska Washington. "Nikola (Pavlovic) was able to get a victory at No. 1 singles which was encouraging."

Pavlovic highlighted Leatherneck action Saturday, as he defeated Cole Buehnerkemper in straight sets. The Belgrade, Serbia, native cruised through the first set, 6-2, before securing the victory with a 6-4 decision in the second set.

The victory followed doubles competition in which the Purple and Gold fell in all three matches. Pavlovic and Surya Sawhney fell in the No. 1 spot, 6-1, while the duos of Ross Smith/Nolan Jones and Jacob Sanders/Kerry Nozum each fell 6-0 in the No. 2 and 3 spots, respectively.

Elsewhere in singles, Jones battled at the No. 4 spot, but ultimately fell, 6-4, 6-3. Sawhney (6-1, 6-2) and Ross Smith (6-1, 6-1) were unsuccessful at the No. 2 and 3 positions, respectively, while Sanders (6-2, 6-0) and Kerry Nozum (6-0, 6-2) were unable to gain victories in the final two singles slots.

Western returns to action on Saturday, February 13, for a road contest at Saint Louis. First serve is set for 6:15 p.m.

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Players Mentioned

Nikola Pavlovic: Senior

Jacob Sanders: Sophomore

Surya Sawhney: Sophomore

Ross Smith: Senior

Nolan Jones: Freshman

Kerry Nozum: Senior

Players Mentioned

Nikola Pavlovic
: Senior

Jacob Sanders
: Sophomore

Surya Sawhney
: Sophomore

Ross Smith
: Senior

Nolan Jones
: Freshman

Kerry Nozum
: Senior