Jan. 30, 2010

Final Results

AURORA, Ill. - Sophomore Sara McLaughlin posted a straight-set win at the No. 6 singles position, but the Northern Illinois women's tennis team dropped a 6-1 decision versus visiting Illinois-Chicago at the Fox Valley Tennis Center in Aurora Saturday afternoon.

"Once we settled down, this is the best we have looked so far," said NIU head coach Ryun Ferrell. "With such a young team, you just have to keep throwing them out there and hope that something sticks - that's starting to happen, and I'm really excited about how our lineup is starting to take shape."

"Our early season schedule has been a tough challenge, but things are starting to come together. We're playing some really veteran-laden teams, and we're not going to quit against anyone."

The Flames won the decisive doubles point by posting regulation pro-set wins at each of the three doubles flights. The Huskies' third double combo of Brooke Forsberg and freshman Kelly Phillips battled in an 8-4 defeat, but UIC posted respective 8-2 and 8-1 win at the No. 1 and No. 2 flights.

McLaughlin's 7-6, 6-3 win over UIC's Amy Jellish highlighted the Huskies' performance in singles play. Sophomore Emily Rogers, playing No. 3 singles, dropped a hard-fought 6-4, 6-1 decision at No. 3, while freshman Brittni Fausett (No. 4) and Phillips (No. 5) both lost by identical 6-4, 6-1 scores.

Northern Illinois will travel to Wisconsin to take on hosts Marquette (Feb. 5) and Green Bay (Feb. 6) next weekend.