For the second year in a row, the NIU women’s tennis team will be represented in the Rolex Midwest Invitationals.

Three sophomores will travel to Madison, Wis., to face the top Midwest competition. “It’s going to be a big challenge and honor for them. We’ve sent three last year, and we’re happy to send them again,” seventh-year coach Patty Groth said.

Hild Andersch and Jami Cheek will be playing doubles while Sarah Murfey will represent the Huskies in singles. “Only the Big Ten schools have three or more representatives, so I’m extremely proud,” Groth said.

The Huskies have accumulated a 5-3 dual meet record. With the success over most of their Midwest competition, NIU was able to get the three Huskies invited. “You need success over tough opponents and success in the Midwest to be invited,” Groth said.

Groth said the team of Andersch and Cheek is the best doubles team she has had in her seven years. “I expect them to do well,” Groth said. “There won’t be an easy match there, but hopefully we can make it through a couple of rounds.”

This is the second year in the tournament for Andersch. She competed in singles last year, but she likes her chances at doubles. “When we (Andersch and Cheek) play during practice, we don’t try very hard, but when we play matches both of us want to win so bad. But, I think we’ll have lots of fun too,” Andersch said.

Cheek was at the tournament last year but didn’t compete. “I watched last year and I know that the competition is going to be tough. Hild and I played all of last year together so we know each other’s games. I’d like to win one or two rounds, but we can only try to play our best. Then, hopefully, the wins will come,” Cheek said.