March 22, 2008

DEKALB, Ill.-The Northern Illinois University women's tennis team scores first conference victory after posting a 4-3 win over Akron Saturday afternoon. The Huskies (3-7, 1-1) rebounded from yesterday's setback to Buffalo with some hard-earned victories in singles action.

Nao Umemura (Kasugai-shi Aichi, Japan/Kardina International) and Lilian Asuaje (Monterrey, Mexico/American School Foundation of Monterrey) picked up victories in No. 1 and No. 2 singles respectively. After losing the first set 4-6, Umemura defeated Tanyaradzwa Gombera, 6-4, 6-4. Asuaje shut out her opponent, Carolina Castro Cota, in straight sets, 6-0, 6-0.

Jenny Edner (Stocksund, Sweden/Kramfors Tennis Gymnasiet) and Dora Delgadillo (San Luis Potosi, Mexico/Instituto Tecnologico de Estudios Superiores) recorded the Huskies final two victories of the day. Edner lost her first set in No. 5 singles action, 2-6, but came back to post a 7-5 victory in the second set and a 6-1 win in the third. Delgadillo defeated Kerry Langworthy in straight sets, 6-3, 6-1 in No. 6 singles.

Asuaje and Kathryn Friedlund (Parkville, Mo. Park Hill South) posted the lone Huskie victory in doubles play, scoring an 8-5 victory in No. 2 doubles.

"It was tough tennis that got us through today," NIU head coach Ryun Ferrell said. "As soon as our ability catches up with our toughness, we're going to be one heck of a tennis team."

The Huskies return to action Friday, when NIU travels to Kalamazoo, Mich. to take on Western Michigan Friday.

Northern Illinois 4, Akron 3

Singles

1. Nao Umemura (NIU) def. Tanyaradzwa Gombera (UA), 4-6, 6-4, 6-4

2. Lilian Asuaje (NIU) def. Carolina Castro Cota (UA), 6-0, 6-0

3. Lindsey Berry (UA) def. Kathryn Friedlund (NIU), 4-6, 7-5, 6-4

4. Jeremie Benjamin (UA) def. Brooke Forsberg (NIU), 6-3, 6-4

5. Jenny Edner (NIU) def. Alyssa Carlson (UA), 2-6, 7-5, 6-1

6. Dora Delgadillo (NIU) def. Kerry Langworthy (UA), 6-3, 6-1

Doubles

1. Gombera/Berry (UA) def. Umemura/Forsberg (NIU) 8-6

2. Friedlund/Asuaje (NIU) def. Castro Cota/Carlson (UA) 8-5

3. Langworthy/Benjamin (UA) def. Delgadillo/Edner (NIU) 9-8