Men's Tennis Falls in Season Opener to UIC

Feb. 21, 2006

MILWAUKEE - The Marquette men's tennis team lost, 3-4, in their spring season opener against UIC tonight at the Helfaer Tennis Stadium.

UIC was able to capture the early point in doubles play, winning at the No. 1 and No. 2 spots. Sophomores Brent Binkley and Pete Van Lieshout walked away with the sole win for the Golden Eagles beating Eric Fey and Danai Samuriwo, 8-1.

The meet came down to the final match between Binkley and Adriano Liccardo, at the No. 3 spot. Liccardo came away with the first set but Binkley came back strong in the second to even the score to one a piece. The play of Liccardo was too much for Binkley to handle in the third losing, 6-4, 7-6(5).

"Brett fought hard at the end and gave us a chance to win the meet," assistant coach Raj Gil said. "Overall it was a disappointing day for us."

In singles play, freshman Trent Hagan had a convincing win over the Flame's Fey, 6-2, 6-3. Senior, Ian Kawas and Sophomore, Greg Sirotek were also successful for Marquette winning at No. 2 and No. 6.

The Golden Eagles return to action on Sunday when they take on Wright State at the Helfaer Tennis Stadium at 10 a.m.

-COMPLETE RESULTS-

Doubles

No. 1-Kovaler/Lockhart (UIC) def. Vedrickas/Kawas (MU) 8-3
No. 2-Gladenning/Liccardo (UIC) def. Shao/Hagan (MU) 8-5
No. 3-Binkley/Van Lieshoult (MU) def. Fey/Samueriwo (UIC) 8-1

Singles

No. 1-Ivan Kovaler (UIC) def. Eigis Vedrickas (MU) 6-3, 6-3
No. 2-Ian Kawas (MU) def. Paul Gladenning (UIC) 6-3, 6-2
No. 3-Adriano Liccardo (UIC) def. Brett Binkley (MU) 6-4, 7-6(5)
No. 4-Andy Lockhart (UIC) def. Stephen Shao (MU) 6-3, 6-4
No. 5-Trent Hagan (MU) def. Eric Fey (UIC) 6-2, 6-3
No. 6-Greg Sirotek (MU) def. A. Nathani (UIC) 6-3, 6-1