The NIU women’s tennis team fell below .500 with a 5-2 loss at Illinois-Chicago on Thursday.

The Huskies’ lone victories came at No. 2 and No. 3 singles.

NIU senior Branka Savic defeated Ayca Gumuscu 5-7, 7-6 (4), 1-0 (2) at No. 2, while junior Ivonne Andrade won her three-set match over Iris Jaklin, 6-3, 1-6, 6-3.

NIU coach Laura Scott had to adjust her normal lineup after senior Karrie Tyioran was forced to sit out with food poisoning.

“Not having Karrie in our lineup definitely impacted the team today,” Scott said. “It is tough to perform after losing a teammate just before the match. I had to ask three players to play positions that they haven’t played before, and they played well in those roles.”

Savic also was named the MAC Player of the Week on Wednesday. Savic helped the Huskies to a win over California-San Diego, which currently is ranked No. 20 in the nation. Savic beat Leigh Roberts 6-1, 6-3 at No. 2 singles.

The award was the first of her career.

Men’s tennis hosts a pair

Illinois State and Valparaiso will meet the NIU men’s tennis team in a pair of matches this weekend in Rockford.

ISU will be in town for a 3 p.m. match today, while Valparaiso will play at 3 p.m. Saturday.

ISU comes in on a two-match losing streak.

NIU (8-3) has won 15 consecutive matches over Valparaiso.