Women's Tennis | April 12
DeKALB, Ill. – The Northern Illinois University women's tennis team snapped its losing skid on Sunday with a 5-2 win over Bowling Green at home. Senior
Nataly Ninova recorded a singles and doubles win to become the program's all-time combined career wins leader with 165 and counting.
"I couldn't even imagine when I first came here I'd be able to get (the record) and I feel lucky I got a chance to play and try to build something," said Ninova. "I'm so glad I was able to accomplish it before I left. I only have one match left so it feels really special."
Head coach
Eric Burns praised Ninova following the match, pointing to the senior's ability to play against all levels of competition.
"We're playing tough schedules here … we're playing power four (schools), we're really challenging this team. This was probably the toughest schedule that we've had and Nataly has done it against all of them," said Burns. "Beat some power fours, good in the conference, she's been good against everyone. It's a huge accomplishment."
The win on Sunday snaps a five-match losing streak and marks the fourth consecutive win over Bowling Green. NIU (16-8, 2-5 MAC) now has won at least 10 home matches in each of the last three seasons.
Isabella Righi /
Lucia Yecora won 6-2 at No. 2 doubles, allowing for
Theodora Kousiou / Ninova to clinch the point at No. 1 with a 6-3 win.
"Doubles really set the tone," said Burns. "We went with a new lineup at No. 1 doubles and worked really well for us, that got us off to a good start. We played very well at No. 3 and No. 4 singles today, routine wins there … for us to go out and win in straight sets, that was big for us."
Ninova (Palma de Mallorca, Spain / IES Centre De Tecnificacio Esportiva IB) recorded the first singles win, downing Libby Blair 6-4, 6-0 and shortly after Yecora (Seville, Spain / IES V Centenario School) posted a 6-3, 6-2 win against Kiera Taylor.
Irmak Budak (Istanbul, Turkey / SAJEV) clinched the match with a 7-5, 1-6, 6-2 win over All-MAC select Tia Clemens at No. 1 singles, her second straight conference win.
"The game style today was more to her liking, for one," said Burns. "She likes to hit the ball, (Clemens) likes to hit the ball, so it turned into who can hit it consistent and hard and (Budak) is usually pretty good in those situations. It was a good match for her."
Jenna Horne (Glenview, Ill. / Glenbrook South) recorded a 6-4, 6-2 win at No. 5 for the final point of the match for the Huskies.
NIU will host its Senior Day on Friday, April 17 at 12 p.m. against Ball State in the regular season finale.
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