April 24, 2008

Big Ten Championship Women's Tennis Bracket

Big Ten Championship Match Notes

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- No. 1 Northwestern will face No. 8-seeded Minnesota in second-round action of the Big Ten Championship at 9 a.m. Friday, April 25. Minnesota defeated Purdue, 4-2, in the opening round. The Golden Gophers will advance to face the 'Cats, who had a first-round bye.

Friday's match will begin at 8 a.m. indoors in the case of inclement weather.

Northwestern enters the tournament in search of its record breaking, 10th-consecutive title. Last weekend, the Wildcats completed their fourth-straight 10-0 conference finish and clinched their eighth regular season conference championship in the past 10 years.

The Wildcats have won the Big Ten Championship in each of head coach Claire Pollard's nine full seasons at the helm Northwestern has recorded a 94-6 regular season and 31-0 postseason record over Big Ten opponents during Pollard's 10-year tenure. The 'Cats enter Friday's dual on a 60-match conference winning streak.

During the regular season, the Wildcats defeated Minnesota, 7-0, on April 13. The Wildcats won each match, except for No. 3 doubles, where they were forced to retire due to injury. Northwestern owns the all-time series with Minnesota, 29-5.

With a win over Minnesota Friday, the Wildcats would face the winner of No. 4 Illinois and No. 5 Ohio State at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 26.

The Big Ten Championship is being held at the Schwartz Tennis Center on the campus of Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind., April 24-27. For schedules, results and other tournament information, please visit the Big Ten Championship Website.