The NIU women’s tennis team was knocked out in the second round of the MAC championship after falling to No. 3 seed Eastern Michigan on Friday.

The No. 6 seed Huskies had a first-round bye but were beaten in their first match 4-0 by Eastern Michigan. The Eagles went on to lose 4-1 in the MAC final to No. 1 seed Marshall, which won its third straight championship.

NIU finished its season 8-10 overall and 4-5 in the MAC.

“Our girls should be proud of themselves,” coach Laura Scott said. “They went out there and played with great intensity and dignity. We gave everything we had and left it all out there.”

Junior Cassie Drake, last year’s MAC Newcomer of the Year, was named to the All-MAC Second Team. Drake posted a 23-8 record at the No. 2 singles spot this year and was the only NIU player to receive a postseason award.

Baseball takes 2 of 3

The NIU baseball team scored six runs in the ninth inning of Sunday’s 7-2 win over Central Michigan. The win was NIU’s second in three games over the Chippewas during weekend.

With the victory, the Huskies improved to 21-19 overall and 7-5 in the MAC and moved into third in the MAC, ahead of Central Michigan (19-20, 7-5).

Despite getting only five hits the entire game, Central Michigan beat NIU 10-6 on Saturday thanks to 15 walks issued by the Huskies’ pitchers. NIU starter Zach Minor struck out six but walked nine in five innings to earn a no-decision.

NIU senior pitcher Joe Piekarz opened the weekend with his third complete game of the season in Friday’s 4-1 victory.

Third baseman Rob Marconi became the school’s career leader in RBI on Friday with No. 157. Marconi also holds the school record with 32 career home runs and is second in career hits.

Falcons sweep softball

The NIU softball team saw its winning streak end after a three-game sweep over the weekend at Bowling Green (24-23, 11-7).

NIU pitcher Paige Granath gave up one earned run Sunday in a 3-2 decision.

The two previous games were not as close, as NIU (12-35, 4-13) was shutout 11-0 on Friday and 4-0 on Saturday.

Pitchers Kathy Dearborn and Amy Krahula took the losses as the Huskies managed only three hits but had six errors in the two games.

Awards handed out

NIU wrestling handed out six accolades at its annual awards banquet Sunday at Eduardo’s Mexican Restaurant.

The wrestling team finished with a 23rd-place finish at the national championships

Senior Ben Heizer won the Most Valuable Wrestler Award thanks to his second place finish at the NCAA Championships in St. Louis, Mo. The placing was the highest by an NIU wrestler since 1973.

Junior Sam Hiatt received the Hustle and Perseverance Award in addition to the Upperclassman Academic Award with a 3.45 grade point average.

Sam’s brother Andy Hiatt won the Outstanding Freshman Award with a 21-9 record.

Aaron Owen received the Freshman Academic Award with a 4.0 GPA, while fellow freshman Joe Henning was named Most Improved.