April 11, 2008

DEKALB, Ill.-The Northern Illinois University women's tennis team suffered a 7-0 loss to conference foe Eastern Michigan, 7-0, at home Friday afternoon.

The Huskies (3-10, 1-4) struggled a bit in singles play, but showed improvement doubles action. The lone Huskie victory came at No. 1 doubles when the team of Nao Umemura (Kasugi-shi Achi, Japan/Kardina International) and Brooke Forsberg (Moline, Ill./Moline) defeated Eastern Michigan (7-12, 3-3), 8-6.

"We kind of took a step back," NIU head coach Ryun Ferrell said. "We know what the issue is. We've just got to believe and go after it. We've got to play like we've got nothing to lose. In doubles we're starting to believe. In singles we're taking baby steps. Overall it was a solid day. Not amazing but solid."

Lilian Asuaje (Monterrey, Mexico/American School Foundation of Monterrey) had a tough match at No. 2 singles. She gave her opponent a battle, but in the end fell in straight sets, 6-4, 7-5.

"Lilian did exactly what she was supposed to do," Ferrell said. "She just lost to a better player. She didn't get upset, she didn't get mad, the other girl just came up with better shots. I can't ask for anything more than that. It was really exciting to see her step up that way."

The Huskies will be back in action Saturday, April 12, 2008 when NIU plays host to Toledo. The match begins at 1 p.m. at the Clock Tower Racquet Club in Rockford, Ill.

Singles

1. Vanessa Frankowski (EMU) def. Nao Umemura (NIU) 6-0, 6-2

2. Aditi Krishnan (EMU) def. Lilian Asuaje (NIU) 6-4, 7-5

3. Tina Bestehorn (EMU) def. Brooke Forsberg (NIU) 6-2, 6-3

4. Sandra Wikstrom (EMU) def. Jenny Edner (NIU) 6-3, 6-3

5. Aleksandra Stankovic (EMU) def. Dora Delgadillo (NIU) 6-3, 6-1

6. Joanna Woo (EMU) def. Stephanie Okuma (NIU) 6-0, 6-2

Doubles

1. Umemura/Forsberg (NIU) def. Frankowski/Bestehorn (EMU) 8-6

2. Wikstrom/Stankovic (EMU) def. Edner/Asuaje (NIU) 8-5

3. Krishnan/Woo (EMU) def. Delgadillo/Okuma (NIU) 8-4