Women's Tennis | October 6

DeKALB, Ill. – The Northern Illinois University women's tennis team began its 2025 fall season this weekend by playing in two events in the Hoosier Classic and the MAC Fall Individual Tennis Championships.

Participants in the Hoosier Classic included Bellarmine, Butler, Louisville and Purdue in addition to NIU and the hosting Hoosiers while Irmak Budak and Theodora Kousiou represented the Huskies in the MAC Fall Individual Tennis Championships.

"While we struggled to get the results we want and expect, we still fought hard," head coach Eric Burns said. "This was good experience for us as I believe we have to play tough competition to get to where we ultimately want to go with this team."

In the Hoosier Classic, Malika Kabdesh opened Flight 2 with a 6-0, 7-6 (2) win over Louisville's Germany Davis while Nataly Ninova and Rebeca Garcia Miralles took home victories in singles consolation matches. Ninova prevailed 7-6 (4), 3-6, 7-6 (5) over Bellarmine's Marika Caruk and Garcia Miralles downed Butler's Elle Marin 6-0, 6-0.

In doubles, two Huskie duos won consolation matches over Butler. Kabdesh / Ninova defeated Brooke Arington / Sienna Mile 6-2 and Sydney Paradise / Sophia Shlyakhta held on against Lauren Cook / Julia Uyesato 7-6 (6).

Burns expects the high level of competition to help set expectations for the team.

"We need to maximize our opportunities by playing the very best teams possible. That's what you have with this year's schedule, top-notch competition." Burns said. "Playing the best players makes you better in the long term as you build your game. It's tough at first but the more you play, the better you become."

In the MAC Fall Individual Championships, Budak reached the quarterfinals in singles after defeating Western Michigan's Frida Weijerman 3-6, 6-1, 6-2. Budak / Kousiou also reached the quarterfinals in doubles, besting Miami's Nina Chavez/Evelyn Risner 8-2.

"Both players competed with great energy and gave us a lot to build on moving forward," graduate assistant Sofiia Vdovychenko said.

The fall slate continues with the ITA Midwest Regional from Oct. 16-20.