Feb. 9, 2008

DEKALB, Ill.-The Northern Illinois University women's tennis team fell to Eastern Illinois, 4-3, in the home opener.

"I was really excited to see everyone compete," NIU head coach Ryun Ferrell said. "We were without one of our best players and we still fought hard. I'm really excited. We just need everyone healthy and we'll be ready to go."

The Huskies (1-2), who were without Nao Umemura ((Kasugai-shi Aichi, Japan/Kardina International), posted victories in Nos. 1, 4 and 5 singles and in No. 3 doubles. Jenny Edner (Stocksund, Sweden/Kamfors Gymnasiet) defeated EIU's Abby Allgire, 6-4, 2-6, 6-1 in No. 4 singles, while Dora Delgadillo (San Luis Potosi, Mexico/Instituto Technologico de Estudios Superiores) beat Eastern Illinois' Cara Huck in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2 in No. 5 singles play.

Lilian Asuaje (Monterrey, Mexico/American School Foundation of Monerrey) took the victory in No. 1 singles action after beating Sandra Sasidhoran, 7-6, 3-0. Brooke Forsberg (Moline, Ill./Moline) had a solid day, but fell to the Panther's Hayley Homburg, 6-4, 6-7, 6-2.

The doubles team of Stephanie Okuma (Sao Paolo, Brazil) and Katie Freidlund (Parkville, Mo./Park Hill South) posted an 8-4 victory in No. 3 doubles play.

The Huskies return to the courts Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008 when NIU travels to Milwaukee, Wis. to face off against Marquette at 11 a.m.

Eastern Illinois 4, Northern Illinois 3

Singles

1. Lillian Asuaje (NIU) def. Sandra Sasidhoran (EIU), 7-6, 3-0 (ret.)

2. Natalie Martin (EIU) def. Katie Friedlund (NIU), 6-1, 6-2

3. Hayley Homburg (EIU) def. Brooke Forsberg (NIU), 6-4, 6-7, 6-2

4. Jenny Edner (NIU) def. Abby Allgire (EIU), 6-4, 2-6, 6-1

5. Dora Delgadillo (NIU) def. Cara Huck (EIU), 6-3, 6-2

6. Stephanie Harmazy (EIU) def. Stephanie Okuma (NIU), 6-4, 6-3

Doubles

1. Martin/Homburg (EIU) def. Asuaje/Forsberg (NIU), 8-3

2. Sasidhoran, Huck (EIU) def. Delgadillo/Edner (NIU), 8-3

3. Friedlund/Okuma (NIU) def. Allgire,/Carrie Larson (EIU), 8-4