The NIU women’s tennis coach was not at a loss for words after this weekend’s Huskie Invitational.

“We just totally dominated the tournament. Everybody just played tremendously well.”

How complete was this domination? The Huskies won three of the five flights they participated in, finished second in two of them, and third or fourth three times.

In the No. 1 singles flight, Sarah Murfey breezed through the competition and battled fellow Huskie Hild Andersch in the championship match. Murfey came out on top to claim the distinction of the best player in the field. Andersch grabbed econd, and Svetlana Nedeljkovic captured fourth place.

“We had our number one, two, and three players take first, second, and fourth in a bracket with 13 players from other schools,” said Groth.

“We showed how strong we were by dominating that first flight,” Groth added.

In the second flight, Natalija Todorovic reached the finals, but lost to a Cincinnati player.

“This flight was represented by other school’s number three, four, and five players,” said Groth. “Brenda Bowen also did very well.” Bowen finished fifth in the second flight.

The third flight brought another NIU champion—Jami Cheek prevailed in three sets. “She really pulled through and played some good tennis,” Groth said.

In doubles play, Murfey and Nedeljkovic teamed up for the most exciting match of the tournament. In a match that lasted two-and-one-half hours, the NIU duo came back from a one-set deficit.

“It was really a great doubles exhibition. They showed a lot of determination after coming back,” Groth said.

Breda Dean and Todorovic crushed teammates Andersch and Cheek to win the second doubles flight.

“Dean and Todorovic played their best tennis to date,” Groth said. “They really deserved it, and I think this will only lead to good things in the future.”

The Huskies probably couldn’t have written a more perfect ending to their exhibition season.