COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Cleveland State men's tennis team began play at the ITA Midwest Regional Thursday, with sophomore Clark Bilinovich advancing to the third round of the Qualifying Singles Draw.

"Even though it's still early in the fall season, Clark's wins today were a testament to his hard work that he has been putting in over the last few weeks after battling back from an injury," assistant coach Bayo Philips said. "Throughout the day he was able to find his game and pick up some good wins, especially in his second match when he battled back from down 3-5 and 15-40 in the second set. Hopefully he can keep this momentum going tomorrow, and hopefully it will also help energize the rest of the team this weekend and for the rest of the fall season."

Bilinovich posted back-to-back wins on the first day of play, earning a spot in the Qualifying Singles Draw third round tomorrow (Friday, October 18). With a win in his third round match against UIC's Kasper Parlklo tomorrow, Bilinovich would advance to the Main Singles Draw.

UPDATED QUALIFYING SINGLES DRAW

In the first round, Bilinovich cruised to a 6-1, 6-1 victory over Chicago State's Cody Wurzelbacher, and then battled for a 2-6, 7-5, 6-3 victory over Notre Dame's Conor Somers in the second round.

Jack Santilli was also in action for the Vikings on Thursday, as he dropped a 7-5, 6-4 decision against UIC's William Wale in the first round of the qualifying bracket.

Qualifying Draw third round matches are set to begin at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow morning (Friday, October 18), while a pair of Cleveland State doubles teams will begin play in the 64-team doubles bracket at 12:00 p.m.

Qualifying Singles First Round
Clark Bilinovich (CSU) def. Cody Wurzelbacher (CHST), 6-1, 6-1
William Wale (UIC) def. Jack Santilli (CSU), 7-5, 6-4

Qualifying Singles Second Round
Clark Bilinovich (CSU) def. Conor Somers (ND), 2-6, 7-5, 6-3