Fresh off a perfect weekend in singles competition, NIU women’s tennis junior Nataly Ninova has been named the Northern Star’s Huskie of the Week for the second time of the Huskies’ spring season.
After opening the weekend with a loss at No. 1 doubles against the University of Toledo, Ninova won three consecutive singles matches that helped NIU improve to an 18-4 record and extend its winning streak to four matches.
Ninova registered a dominant win at No. 4 singles against Toledo sophomore Jone Ibanez in straight sets, 6-1, 6-4. Hours later, the Spain native came through with another victory in straight sets, 6-1, 6-1, against Chicago State University junior Mackenzie King.
On Sunday, Ninova clinched the Huskies’ 5-2 win against Ball State University with a three-set barnburner against Cardinals freshman Alana Bristow. The junior took the first set 6-3 and fell 6-4 in the second before recording a 6-4 triumph in the deciding frame.
With her victories, Ninova is 17-3 in singles matches on the season and 4-1 against MAC opponents.
This is Ninova’s third Huskie of the Week honor after previously being awarded the honor Jan. 20. She was first recognized Nov. 4 when she shared the honor with senior Erika Dimitriev.
The next Huskie of the Week will be announced April 7.
The Northern Star sports section’s Huskie of the Week is voted for on a weekly basis. Student-athletes considered for this week’s edition were selected based on their performance in competitions taking place March 24 to March 30.
