April 10, 2008

DEKALB, Ill.-The Northern Illinois University women's tennis team looks to get back on the winning track when the Huskies play host to Mid-American Conference foes Eastern Michigan (6-12, 2-3) and Toledo (12-5, 3-2) this weekend.

The Huskies (3-9, 1-3) enter play Friday afternoon looking to snap a two-match losing skid. The last victory for NIU came March 22 when the Huskies defeated Akron, 4-3, at home. While the Huskies have struggled a bit of late, the effort has been there. NIU will have to continue that effort to be successful this weekend.

"They're both good teams, they've got a lot of talent," NIU head coach Ryun Ferrell said. "We're just as talented as they are. We've been a lot more disciplined in practice and they've responded well. We're missing one element and that's just to have fun while we compete."

Saturday's match will have added meaning to two members of the NIU women's tennis team. Seniors Dora Delgadillo (San Luis Potosi, Mexico/Instituto Tecnologico de Estudios Superiores) and Jenny Edner (Stocksund, Sweden/Kramfors Tennis Gymnasiet) will be honored for all their contributions to the program.

"I'll miss Dora and Jenny," Ferrell said. "I want them to enjoy their last weekend at home. They've been great kids. If I asked them to pick up a thousand balls one at a time, they'd say sure. They've been awesome."

The Huskies will face Eastern Michigan on Friday and will take on Toledo Saturday. Both matches begin at 1 p.m. Central time and will be held at the Clock Tower Racquet Club.