Michigan State University
No. 66 Illinois
No. 37 Spartans Squash No. 66 Illinois
3/28/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
EAST LANSING, Mich. - The No. 37 Michigan State women's tennis team rallied for its fifth comeback victory of the season as it overcame a 3-1 deficit to defeat No. 66 Illinois, 4-3, Saturday afternoon at the MSU Indoor Tennis Facility. Michigan State is now 16-2 on the year, and 5-0 in the Big Ten. Michigan State also improves to 5-2 against ranked opponents in 2015. This also marks the first time that the Spartans have beat the Fighting Illini in consecutive matches since 1988-89.
"They just have a never die attitude," said head coach Simone Jardim. "They are learning that hard work pays off. They weren't handed this victory today, they earned this victory."
The Fighting Illini got on the board first, taking the doubles point with victories at No. 1 and No. 2 doubles. The senior duo of Hilary Hager and Julianne Gruber led in an exhibition match, 5-4, before the match was called.
The Illinois native, junior Emily Meyers made quick work of Julia Jamieson at No. 6 singles. Meyers won 6-0, 6-2, to improve to 18-10 on the year.
Illinois tallied victories at No. 2 and No. 3 singles to take a 3-1 lead in the match.
Sophomore Erin Faulkner improved to 5-0 in Big Ten play with a win at No. 1 singles. Faulkner defeated Alexis Casati, 6-1, 7-6. Faulkner is now 18-10 in singles this season.
"I am feeling some type of way after that win," said Faulkner. "I feel that I am finally playing up to my potential. I feel that I had the ability, but now everything is coming together."
Sophomore Athena Trouillot tied the match in dramatic fashion in a three-set thriller. Trouillot took the first set 7-5 and dropped the second 6-1. With the team needing her to win, she rallied in the third to win 6-4, over Jerricka Boone.
For the third time this season the match came down to senior Catherine Parenteau. For the third time this season Parenteau prevailed. She defeated Grace Tapak at No. 4 singles, 7-6, 1-6, 6-4. She also notched come from behind victories to clinch the match against No. 72 Fresno State and No. 61 Nebraska.
The Spartans conclude the home portion of the schedule on Sunday as they host the No. 27 Wildcats of Northwestern. The action will begin at 11 a.m. at the Michigan State Indoor Courts. Prior to the match the team will honor the three graduating seniors. Senior festivities will begin at 10:30 a.m. on the courts.
Players Mentioned
