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Women’s tennis falls to Bowling Green

March 30, 2013
Nelle Youel

Nelle Youel

Northern Illinois won a pair of singles and one doubles match Friday, marking the first time NIU has won multiple matches in Mid-American Conference play this season, but the Huskies dropped a 5-2 decision to Bowling Green at the Huskie Tennis Courts in DeKalb.

Northern Illinois fell to 14-5 overall and 0-3 versus the MAC with the loss, while Bowling Green improved to 13-2, 2-1 in the league.

In NIU’s first home outdoor match of the year, the Huskies’ Nelle Youel claimed a three-set win over Bowling Green’s Emily Reuland at No. 1 singles, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, to improve her season singles record to 17-2.

At No. 5 singles, NIU freshman Cristina Alvarez earned her first career MAC win with a 6-4, 6-7, 6-4 decision over the Falcons’ Katie Grubb.

The Huskies also got a win at No. 1 doubles as the duo of Youel and Mary Malkin defeated BG’s Nikki Chiricosta and Emily Reuland, 8-3. Bowling Green claimed the doubles point as they won at No. 2 and No. 3 doubles.

Northern Illinois head coach Ryun Ferrell said with a line-up featuring a freshman, four sophomores and one junior, his young team is learning what it takes to win in the Mid-American Conference.

“We took a big step forward [Friday],” Ferrell said. “Although we lost, we really started figuring out what it will take to compete and win in this league. [Today] is a new day and we can’t wait to take those lessons and apply them in our next match.”

The Huskies take on Western Michigan (9-9, 2-0 MAC) beginning at 1 p.m. today at the Huskie Tennis Courts, weather permitting.

For more information on NIU women’s tennis and Huskie athletics, visit www.niuhuskies.com.