NIU women’s tennis has been off to a slow start this season, but head coach Ryun Ferrell is pleased with the team’s attitude and visible improvement.

NIU (1-5 overall) went 1-2 over the weekend, losing two tough matches to UIC (4-2) and SIU (1-3).

NIU was able to grab its first team win of the season at the Boylan Tennis Center against Bradley (1-4) by a score of 6-1.

The win over Bradley featured a sweep in doubles action from the Huskies, and their only loss came at No. 1 singles. NIU No. 1 singles player Emily Rogers was unable to overcome Bradley’s Nicole Miller, who is undefeated against NIU in her career.

“It was the first time we’d swept Bradley in doubles,” Ferrell said. “The only person we were unable to beat was [Nicole] Miller. We had our chance against her but couldn’t get over the hump this time. But winning 6-1 over a team like that is something I’ll take any day.”

Rogers was able to down Miller in doubles play and avenge her loss. She and sophomore Kelly Phillips teamed up to defeat Miller and Sarah Rodefeld, 8-7.

Phillips also won her No. 2 singles match in just her second match at that position, giving her a 2-0 mark on the day.

“Phillips did really good and played smart,” Ferrell said. “As a sophomore, you get a little nervous having someone that young at that high of a spot, but she did great.”

Freshmen Haley Dekkinga and Ilsejs Pacheco both had good performances, winning their singles matches with ease.

“Haley went out and beat a girl 0-and-0 in about 20 minutes and looked good,” Ferrell said. “Ilse Pacheco, another freshman, won her match 6-1, and looked great. I was really excited about that.

“Haley’s competitive spirit is unmatched by anyone she plays, and she wants to beat you like she hates you and it’s nobody’s business.”

The upperclassmen in the lineup also had good performances against the Braves.

“Sara McLaughlin got her first win on the season and did an awesome job,” Ferrell said. “And I’ve got senior Martina Schnapp, who’s just clawing and scrapping, trying to find every win she can get. She did a good job, too.”