April 24, 2008

BUFFALO-The Northern Illinois University women's tennis team defeated Akron, 4-1, in the first round match of the 2008 MAC Women's Tennis Championships in Buffalo, N.Y.

"In singles, they've finally did what I wanted them to do all year, `dance with the same guy who brought them,'" NIU head coach Ryun Ferrell said. "They made Akron play and took care of business. We played very smart, it was great. I was so excited to see them do that because I know they can do that."

After losing the doubles point, the Huskies (3-13, 1-7) rebounded in singles play, taking four of the six matches. Lilian Asuaje (Monterrey, Mexico/American School Foundation) posted a 6-2, 6-1 victory at No. 2 singles, while Katie Friedlund (Parkville, Mo./Park Hill) scored a 6-2, 6-4 win at No. 3 singles.

Jenny Edner (Stocksund, Sweden/Kramfors Tennis Gymnasiet) turned in an impressive performance at No. 5 singles. She defeated Akron's Alyssa Carlson, 6-2, 6-0. Dora Delgadillo completed the Huskie victory with a 6-1, 6-2 win at No. 6 singles

Northern Illinois will take on top-seeded Western Michigan at 9 a.m. Central Time. Fans can log onto the MAC Championships website at http://www.ubathletics.buffalo.edu/womenstennis/mac08/index.shtml for the latest information.

No. 8 Northern Illinois 4, No. 9 Akron 1

Singles

1. Tanyaradzwa Gombera (UA) led Nao Umemura (NIU), 7-6 (8), 3-0

2. Lilian Asuaje (NIU) def. Carolina Castro (UA), 6-2, 6-1

3. Katie Friedlund (NIU) def. Lindsey Berry (UA), 6-2, 6-4

4. Jeremie Benjamin (UA) led Brooke Forsberg (NIU), 3-6, 6-4, 2-0

5. Jenny Edner (NIU) def. Alyssa Carlson (UA), 6-2, 6-0

6. Dora Delgadillo (NIU) def. Kerry Langworthy (UA), 6-1, 6-2

Doubles

1. Gombera/Castro (UA) def. Umemura/Forsberg (NIU), 8-4

2. Asuje/Friedlund (NIU) led Berry/Carlson (UA), 6-5

3. Benjamin/Langworthy (UA) def. Delgadillo/Edner (NIU), 8-4