March 4, 2008

Men's Tennis Athlete of the Week

Ruben Gonzales, Illinois

Sr., Terre Haute, Ind. / Indiana University High School

Gonnzales helped Illinois to two convincing wins over top competition last week.  The Illini defeated No. 65 Michigan State, 6-1, on Feb. 29, then knocked off No. 12 Notre Dame, 6-1 on March 1.  The senior went 4-0 in singles and doubles play and no team or individual managed more than three points against the Terre Haute, Ind. native.  At No. 2 Singles against the Spartans, Gonzales teamed with Brandon Davis to defeat MSU's Billy Gardner and Alex Forger, 8-3.  Later in the match, Gonzales won in straight sets over Alex Forger, 6-2, 6-1 at No. 2 Singles.  In Illinois' dual with No. 12 Notre Dame, Gonzales and Davis clinched the doubles point with a 8-3 win over Andrew Roth and Santiago Montoya.  Gonzales then went on to beat No. 73 Sheeva Parbhu of Notre Dame, 6-2, 6-3.   This is Gonzales' second weekly honor of the season and the third of his career.

 

Last Illinois AOW: Ruben Gonzales (1/30/08)