UIC Athletics Spring 2008 Preview: Women's Tennis
Feb. 8, 2008
The last time that the UIC women's tennis team was defeated by a Horizon League opponent was April 21, 1996. 93 consecutive conference dual match wins, nine NCAA tournament appearances and 11 straight league titles later, the Flames are on the cusp of the 2008 season, preparing to make it a memorable year.
In her seventh-season guiding the Flames, head coach Shannon Tully is pleased about the upcoming year. "Everyone is looking forward to the season getting underway," said Tully. "We are going to start off each match like we deserve to be out there against our opponents, compete and win." The team dynamic is strong this season, with a solid blend of returnees and newcomers to the program.
Seniors Grace Gill-Morlis and Lubica Nadasska were both named to the All-League First Team last season, and look to end their careers on high notes. Gill-Morlis is only 15 singles wins and 13 doubles victories away from being amidst the top 10 all-time UIC career record holders. The sophomore trio of Amy Jellish, Jenna Reisch and Ulrikke von Ubisch has strengthened their game and will be solid supporters in the middle of the lineup. Jellish amassed a 5-2 singles record in fall play in 2007, including making it to the B singles championship at the DePaul Invitational in September.
Von Ubish claimed two of her matches in the sixth flight at the North Texas Invitational, falling short of going three for three with a tight 5-7, 6-2, 10-6 loss to Shannon Mackenzie of North Texas in November. Jenna Reisch, who held a 19-6 doubles record as a freshman for the Flames, will look to move up the lineup after pairing up with Gill-Morlis in the fall with promising results. This season's newcomers feature superb talent. Senior Suzanna Gracanin, a highly competitive transfer from Louisville, will be one of the top doubles players for the Flames. Sophomore Kristen McPhillips comes to UIC after transferring from Miami University, where she played in the fourth singles position for the Redhawks. The freshman class includes Jamie Reisch, a three-time IHSA All-State honoree and younger sister of sophomore Jenna, and Bensenville native Ilinca Cristescu, who was ranked the number one Chicagoland junior player in 2006.
The 2008 schedule features some challenging matches, such as a slew of MAC conference schools (#63 Western Michigan, Bowling Green and Toledo), local foes (Northern Illinois and Illinois State) as well as a trip down to the sunshine state to face off against Florida Atlantic and the fourth-ranked team in Div. II, Lynn University. The Flames begin in-conference play in April, and will conclude their regular season at the Horizon League Championships April 26-27 in Indianapolis. A 12th league title will earn the Flames a berth in the NCAA tournament in May.
The UIC women's tennis team kicks things off with a five-game road trip starting at Bowling Green on Saturday, February 9th. The Flames first home match will be against Northern Illinois on Wednesday, February 27th in Evergreen Park at 12 p.m.
|
  |
