The Illinois men’s tennis team had a successful first outdoor match at home, defeating No. 43 Penn State by a 5-2 score Saturday afternoon.

Ruben Gonzales and Marc Spicijaric started off the match with a bang for the Illini in doubles play by toppling Penn State’s Adam Slagter and Chris Sherman, 8-2. Brandon Davis and Waylon Chin secured the doubles point with an 8-6 victory.

In singles play, No. 90 Gonzales once again sparked the Illini attack. The senior defeated No. 63 Michael James, 6-1, 6-4. Billy Heiser, ranked No. 94, and Chin each won their matches to secure the Illinois victory, while No. 12 Ryan Rowe came from behind to beat Slagter, 5-7, 6-2, 6-4.

The Illini have little time to celebrate before they host No. 14 Michigan tomorrow.