Illini soccer team opens season with a shutout

CHAMPAIGN - Demirjian Park lit up on Thursday night as the Illinois women's soccer squad surged to a commanding 6-0 victory over Wright State in their 2024 season opener. The Orange & Blue showcased their depth with six different players finding the net, while a total of 11 contributed either primary or secondary assists.

Midfielders Sarah Foley and Sarah Hiestand set the tone early with goals just minutes apart in the first half, propelling Illinois to a 2-0 halftime lead while outshooting their opponents 11-6.

The Illini left no doubt on the field, dominating every facet of the game with a staggering 24-6 shot advantage, including 13 shots on goal to Wright State's 3, and earning 14 corner kicks compared to just 3 for the visitors. Their defensive prowess shone brightly, holding Wright State without a single shot in the second half.

Foley led the charge with a match-high four shots on goal, supported by Hiestand's three attempts during their 60-minute stints.

Early in the second half, Kennedy Berschel broke through, kick the first of four goals in the final period for the Illini. Alyssa Weede, stepping off the bench, added another goal midway through the half.

Lauren Seppi then notched her first goal of the season, extending Illinois' lead to 5-0. Emma Persson sealed the deal with a final goal, securing a commanding 6-0 victory for Illinois.

The triumph marks Illinois' sixth consecutive season opener win and their third straight home opener victory at Demirjian Park. The six-goal tally stands as their highest since an 8-0 rout against Northern Illinois in August 2018.

Next up, Illinois continues their five-match homestand with a clash against DePaul on Sunday at 1 p.m. CT, promising more exhilarating action from Demirjian Park.

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Ranked #4 in the nation, Scott Aikman has sights set at Cincy tennis invite

Champaign tennis veteran Scott Aikman poses for a photo at Atkins Tennis Center on Tuesday. He and doubles partner Terry Warner are ranked #4 in the nation. The pair will play at the home of the Cincinnati Open on Sunday and Monday in an invitational tournament with 15 other top doubles competitors in the 70+ age group.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

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CHAMPAIGN - As the summer sun sets over Mason, Ohio, one of America's oldest tennis tournaments—the Cincinnati Open is in full swing. First held in 1899, this storied event is not just a footnote in tennis history; it’s a vibrant tapestry woven with the dreams and triumphs of countless athletes. Now, as it embarks on its 125th year in 2024, the Cincinnati Open is poised for a renaissance, returning to its original name and solidifying its status with a bold 25-year commitment from Beemok Capital to keep the ATP Masters 1000 at the Lindner Family Tennis Center.

This Sunday and Monday, Champaign's Scott Aikman will play on the same courts Ben Shelton and Felix Auger-Aliassime posted wins earlier today for a shot at the Grand Prix Masters doubles title in the 70+ division on Monday. He hopes that area tennis fans and players who will attend Sunday's semifinal and Monday's pro finals will stop by to cheer him on in his bid for another tennis title.

Aikman, who is 77 years old and stands at an impressive 6'4", embodies the spirit of a seasoned tennis competitor. He used to run a restaurant but retired seven years ago. Aikman has spent decades traveling the world, chasing tennis balls across various locations such as the sun-soaked courts of South Africa, the bustling streets of Mexico City, and the iconic avenues of Paris and Barcelona. To Aikman, a tennis racquet is more than just a piece of equipment; it's a passport to adventure.

Recounting stories of spontaneous matches with newfound friends in foreign lands. “I’ve even bought a racquet just to play while I’m traveling—there’s always someone looking to hit.”

Aikman’s journey into the world of tennis began at the age of 12 in Terre Haute, Indiana.

“There wasn’t much to do as a kid,” he recalls, his eyes lighting up at the memory. “The junior high school had tennis courts, and we spent all day playing.” That passion has only grown over the decades, and he’s not slowing down anytime soon.

“I’ll be turning 78 this November,” he says with a twinkle in his eye. “That gives me one more year in the 75s before I move up to the 80s. I’m looking forward to it!”

While many may shy away from the physical demands of the sport, Aikman thrives on it. “I love the activity,” he said with a smile. “Running around, reaching for balls—that’s what keeps me young.”

Aikman hasn't the faintest urge to make the switch to pickleball. “I have absolutely no interest in that. They just stand there,” he laughed.

With 65 years of experience, Aikman has a wealth of knowledge to share with younger players. “Keep hitting the ball, have fun, and treat each point like it’s a new one,” he advises. “I’ve seen players get down on themselves after losing a point. If you lose a few, just let it go and move on to the next.”

Aikman will team up with Terry Warner, from Saline, MI, for the invitation-only tournament this weekend.

"We met at a tennis tournament and played together," explaining how the two joined up to become a formidable doubles pair. "We played well together during that and decided we would play again."

The duo, who have won titles or placed in the top three in a half dozen tournaments, are ranked #4 Nationally in 75s. They teamed up, playing their last three tournaments together on clay courts in Pinehurst and Virginia Beach.

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