YPSILANTI, Mich. – The Northern Illinois University women's tennis team earned its first conference win of the season with a 6-1 win at Eastern Michigan at the Chippewa on Sunday.
 
The win over the Eagles (6-6, 0-2) was NIU's (7-6, 1-1) first regular season Mid-American Conference win since April 21, 2017, a span of 16 games. The Huskies did not play a conference match last season due to COVID-19.
 
"We are so proud of how the ladies competed today," NIU head coach Eric Burns said. "Today was our most complete effort across the board this season. Great to finally break that losing streak and get that off our backs. We have been working really hard for this day. We couldn't be prouder of our team. This was a great day for the program."
 
NIU opened the day by taking the doubles point. After losing at No. 2 doubles, Diana Lukyanova and Iullia Dmitrieva scored a 6-2 win at No. 3 doubles. Maria Potsi and Anastasia Rakita gave the Huskies the doubles point with a 6-4 victory at No. 1.
 
After Eastern Michigan tied the match up 1-1 with a win at No. 4 singles. Potsi and Lukyanova restored order by taking their matches at No. 1 and No. 3 singles, respectively, in straight sets. Potsi defeated Isabelle Pompa, 6-2, 6-1, while Lukyanova won her 10th match in a row with a 6-0, 6-4 victory.
 
Paula Veyhle earned a 7-5, 6-1 win at No. 6 singles, and Christy Robinson posted a 6-3, 6-3 victory at No. 5 singles. Rakita capped the day for NIU with a hard-fought 6-3, 2-6, 1-0 win at No. 2 singles.
 
The Huskies return to the court Friday when NIU travels to Toledo for an afternoon matinee with the Rockets. The match will start at 12 p.m. CT.
 
-NIU-