Tennis to face winless Cougars

By Danielle Brown

Women’s tennis (3-3) will look to win its second consecutive game this weekend as it travels to play Chicago State University (0-6).

NIU is coming off a victory over the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (3-4) on Saturday. Senior Cristina Alvarez earned her 100th career win in the game.

“It was a great team effort today [Saturday],” said head coach Tanya Gombera following Saturday’s win, according to an NIU Athletics news release. “We started slowly in doubles, but we were able to pick up and improve our performances in the singles matches. Also, I have to give huge congratulations to Cristina [Alvarez] for her 100th win, which was even more special because it clinched a win for us.”

One of the main things she’s stressed in practice in recent weeks, Gombera said, has been consistency. The Huskies are at .500 but have struggled to put a good string of games together.

“Doing well in doubles wins games and that is what we want to do,” Gombera said. “There will be some players who are excelling while others are not playing as well. I want everyone to excel so [they] can be [at] their best.”

The Huskies faced off against Chicago State last season, winning in a nearly perfect 6-1 game. The Cougars took the matchup between the teams in 2014, winning 4-2.