For the first time in school history, NIU women’s tennis has advanced to the finals of the Mid-American Conference Championship tournament.
The Huskies defeated the reigning champion University of Toledo Rockets in a 4-1 match and will take on the University at Buffalo at 10 a.m. Friday.
The No. 2 doubles duo of junior Isabella Righi and freshman Lucia Yecora fell in a quick 6-1 match, while the Huskies trailed at No. 1 and No. 3 doubles.
Senior Reagan Welch and Jenna Horne came back from behind to take a 6-3 set against Rockets sophomore Jone Ibanez and freshman Annika Munson, leaving the doubles point up to the first match.
With the chance to clinch the doubles point, senior Maria Dzemeshkevich and junior Nataly Ninova rallied from being down 3-1 against Toledo freshman duo Neha Guru and Jacklynka Scholten to force a tiebreaker. Starting with back-and-forth points, Dzemeskevich and Ninova pulled away to take a 7-4 tiebreaker, clinching the doubles point with a 7-6 (7-4) victory.
Ninova quickly increased the Huskies’ lead, claiming 6-2, 6-3 sets over Ibanez at No. 4 singles.
The Rockets responded with a win at No. 1, when Dzemeshkevich fell to Rockets junior Audrey Moutama in straight sets.
Righi put the Huskies within one when she dominated 6-3, 6-3 sets against Munson at No. 5.
Sealing NIU’s trip to the final match, Yecora’s win at No. 4 singles clinched the win for the Huskies. After falling in a 6-1 first set to sophomore Gaby Rondon, Yecora rebounded in 6-2, 6-4 to take both the individual and team victory.
NIU freshman Irmak Budak was up 7-6 (10-8), 5-4 against Scholten when the match ended, also halting Horne’s match at No. 6.
UP NEXT
After No. 4 seed University at Buffalo upset the regular season champions and No.1 seeded University of Miami, NIU will face the No. 4 seed in the final.
The Huskies will play for the title at 10 a.m. Friday against the University at Buffalo Bulls in Toledo, Ohio. Live stats will be updated on IonCourt.
