DeKALB | The NIU women’s gymnastics team earned its first MAC dual meet victory of the season Sunday, defeating Eastern Michigan 194.375 to 193.250.

NIU’s point total marked the top score of the season for the Huskies. NIU also posted team season-highs in the uneven parallel bars at 48.825 and floor exercise with a score of 48.850.

“We finally put all four events together in the same meet,” said NIU head coach Mark Sontag. “It was what we have needed to do. It’s nice to see us step up and have our best score coming off of a rough road trip. We needed to be reminded of what we’re capable of when we come together, and this really gives us a boost going into the last month of the season.”

Three NIU gymnasts won three different events for the Huskies. Sophomore Leah Johnson had another strong performance, tying for first on the vault and floor exercise while Jody Yednock was victorious on the uneven parallel bars. Jennifer Naughton posted a victory on the balance beam.

Skipper makes ALL-MAC Second Team

Lorene Skipper was named to the All-MAC Second Team for her performances in the 2007 indoor season. The senior sprinter placed second in the 800-meter MAC Indoor Championships last weekend in Akron with a time of 2:12.32. Skipper currently holds the NIU record for both the indoor and outdoor 800-meter run.

“It’s a huge honor to be acknowledged by the conference for your hard work,” said NIU head coach Connie Teaberry. “Lorene has worked very hard and she deserves the recognition. She has really done a great job and I am extremely proud of her.”

Women’s tennis takes down Western Illinois

The NIU women’s tennis team beat in-state rival Western Illinois 5-1 in singles play and 3-0 in doubles Sunday afternoon in DeKalb.

Jenny Edner, Nao Umemura, Brooke Forsberg, Megan Brooks and Dora Delgadillo all earned victories for the Huskies in their respective matches.

“It was a solid performance for the Huskies,” NIU head coach Ryun Ferrell said. “Doubles looked very solid. We need to get back to the drawing board for singles, and we need to brush up on a few things to get us ready for conference play. Nonetheless, a very solid performance.”

Still struggling

The NIU men’s tennis team continues to struggle thus far in the season. The Huskies (1-5) fell to Drake (9-2) 7-0 Sunday afternoon in Des Moines, Iowa. After tying the score at 1-1 with a second set win, NIU junior Adam Ford lost a hard fought third set to drop a 2-1 decision to Guilherme Marsiglia of Drake.