North Carolina
Illinois
Women's Tennis Victorious Over No. 27 Illinois, 5-2
February 17, 2001 | Women's Tennis
Feb. 17, 2001
CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, Ill.--The 22nd ranked University of North Carolina women's tennis team handed Illinois their second loss of the season, defeating the Fighting Illini 5-2. This win improves the Tar Heels record to 5-1.
In singles action, sophomore Kate Pinchbeck stepped up to play at the No. 2 spot. Pinchbeck defeated Simone Kung 6-2, 6-2 increasing her record to 18-4 overall. This is the third match that Pinchbeck has played No. 2 since Julie Rotondi injured her ankle during their match against Kentucky. Rotondi is expected to return soon.
Other singles wins include the No. 13 ranked Marlene Mejia win over Jennifer McGaffigan 6-1, 6-4. Junior Kristin Koenig and freshman Elina Bairos both won their matches as well.
The No. 25 ranked doubles tandem of Kendrick Bunn and Kate Pinchbeck defeated McGaffigan/Webb 8-3. Tallying the second doubles win was the duo of Erin Niebling and Courtney Zalinski who defeated Choe/Fazlic 8-6 in a close match. Niebling/Zalinski are now 3-0 for the season.
Head Coach Roland Thornqvist was pleased with his doubles teams and the leadership from sophomore Kate Pinchbeck. "We played well today. Once again we have proven to be a good doubles team. Kate Pinchbeck had an outstanding day in both singles and doubles. She is doing a great job stepping up and playing at the No. 2 spot due to Julie's injury. I am pleased with Kate's performance and wish Julie a speedy recovery."
The Tar Heels travel to Indiana tomorrow for an 11 a.m. match.
SINGLES
1. Marlene Mejia def. Jennifer McGaffigan (ILL) 6-1, 6-4
2. Kate Pinchbeck def. Simone Kung (ILL) 6-2, 6-2
3. Tiffany Eklov (ILL) def. Kendrick Bunn 6-3, 6-3
4. Kristin Koenig def. Carla Rosenberg (ILL) 6-0, 6-3
5. Elina Bairos def. Michelle Webb (ILL) 6-4, 6-4
6. Eva Choe (ILL) def. Courtney Zalinski 6-2, 6-4
DOUBLES
1. Kendrick Bunn/ Kate Pinchbeck def. Jennifer McGaffigan/Michelle Webb (ILL) 8-3
2. Carla Rosenberg/ Simone Kung (ILL) def. Marlene Mejia/ Elina Bairos 8-5
3. Erin Niebling/ Courtney Zalinski def. Eva Choe/Eldina Fazlic (ILL) 8-6
