Qualifying Play Underway

First round qualifying matches at the JSM Challenger are underway. Current Illini players Abe Souza, Marek Czerwinski (pictured), and Connor Roth are on the schedule as they hope to earn their way into the main draw.

Souza takes on Adam Chervin in the players' second meeting ever. In their first contest, Abe earned the victory in straight sets. Marek will face tour veteran Phillip Simmonds in what will be a difficult contest for the Illinois senior. Czerwinski will need to rely on his aggressive play to keep Simmonds from using his athleticism in long points. Finally, Connor Roth will take on Colt Gaston. Roth is looking for his first singles match victory at the JSM Challenger.

The day's most intriguing match-up pits doubles partners and brothers, Brian and Dann Battistone, against one another. Both players use a radically designed racquet that features two handles. Dann and Brian have played on one other occasion in 2008. Dann earned the victory in three sets.