The NIU women’s tennis team lost its fourth- and fifth-straight matches this weekend.

With losses to Marshall and Miami in their first Mid-American Conference matches of the season, the Huskies have already gone 0-2.

Friday, the women played MAC co-champions, Marshall University, and ended with a 6-1 loss.

Laura Scott, head coach of the NIU’s women’s tennis, blamed the loss on the lack of a good start in the matches.

“We played sloppy in singles, and we didn’t play very disciplined tennis.” Scott said. “You can’t do that against a team like Marshall and expect to win.”

The singles victory came from Kristi McIntyre who notched a 7-6, 7-6 win in No. 6 singles.

“For us to improve, our upperclassmen need to step up and lead our younger players,” said Scott. “Kristi has been solid all year as a freshman, but we need more people to improve their level of play.”

Saturday, Miami University swept the Huskies with a 7-0 win. The women were unable to finish defending their match points, but they fought hard.

“We play hard, get close and then just seem to go through the motions,” said Scott. “We have to learn to play every single point.”

Scott said the team has the talent to win, but they need the confidence.

Molly Opel competed in pro setplay in the fifth singles position. Opel had the best match of the day but still managed to drop the 8-5 decision.

Scott switched her lineup and put McIntyre in place of senior Ashley Brunk, but it was not helpful enough for a team win.

“We are not playing smart tennis, especially in doubles,” said Scott. “We cannot settle for missing balls on the court.”

The Huskies hit the road this weekend to take on the University of Toledo and Eastern Michigan University.