After breaking into the win column in MAC play last weekend, NIU women’s tennis will finish its home schedule with a pair of conference matches this weekend.

The Huskies (5-7 overall, 1-4 MAC) begin the homestand at 1 p.m. today versus Ball State at the West Campus Courts and finish against Bowling Green at the same time and location Saturday.

Three straight home losses to start the MAC schedule was not what the Huskies wanted, but a 7-0 sweep at Akron has given the team some confidence.

“It was our first MAC win and the first one is always the hardest to get,” sophomore Megan Brooks said. “It’s so important to win these matches – especially for the upcoming MAC tournament.”

The importance of the matches will be magnified for the three seniors – Ivonne Andrade, Cassie Drake and Daniela Martinez – who will see their final action in DeKalb.

“It’s a huge advantage to be at home, especially since our families are going to be here,” Andrade said. “That will be huge for us to have that support. We’re also used to playing on these courts and the wind, so it’s definitely in our favor.”

Last year, the Huskies dropped a 4-3 decision at Ball State (13-5, 3-2), and even though the team swept Bowling Green on the road last season, NIU coach Pontus Hiort said both matches should be closely contested.

“Ball State and Bowling Green are two teams we are evenly matched with,” Hiort said. “Our doubles play has been up and down. If we can sharpen up our doubles skills, it’ll be a big help, especially in an even matchup.”

Men’s Tennis

Coming off Wednesday’s home sweep of Chicago State, the NIU men’s tennis team resumes its MAC schedule at Toledo this weekend.

The Huskies (10-8 overall, 0-2 MAC) will try to pick up their first MAC win of the season at 1 p.m. Sunday against the Rockets (8-11, 1-2).

Led by senior Willy Gali’s 17-match win streak, NIU will try to repeat last year’s 7-0 victory over Toledo in DeKalb.