Women's Tennis | March 13

DeKALB, Ill. – The Northern Illinois University women's tennis team began conference play with a 4-3 road win over Eastern Michigan on Friday afternoon. The win gives the Huskies their third five-match winning streak this season.

While the matchup between NIU and Eastern Michigan has been back-and-forth over the last three years, Friday afternoon's win is the Huskies first at Eastern Michigan since 2023.

NIU claimed the doubles point despite the Eagles securing the first match. Reigning MAC Doubles Team of the Week Malika Kabdesh / Nataly Ninova took a 6-3 win at No. 1 allowing Isabella Righi / Lucia Yecora to clinch the point at No. 2.

A 6-3, 6-0 singles win from Theodora Kousiou (Thessaloniki, Greece / Aristotelio College) gave NIU an early 2-0 lead, but Eastern Michigan erased that lead by winning the next two matches. Rebeca Garcia Miralles (Castellón, Spain / IES Sos Baynat) stayed red hot, winning 6-4, 6-3 to not only extend the freshman's winning streak to 11, but to set up the Huskies for the clinching point.

Nataly Ninova (Palma de Mallorca, Spain / IES Centre De Tecnificacio Esportiva IB) sealed it for the Huskies, winning 6-4, 6-4 at No. 4. The senior just became the all-time singles win record holder last week is now four wins away from also claiming the top spot for the most combined career wins in school history (Nelle Youel, 163; 2011-15).

The Huskies continue their road trip on Sunday, taking on preseason coaches poll favorite Toledo (6-6, 1-0 MAC) at 12 p.m. The Rockets defeated Miami, 5-2, in their conference opener on Friday afternoon.