Ohio is a state the NIU tennis team was happy to leave this weekend after losing to Ohio State University and Bowling Green State University by the identical scores of 7-2.

NIU surrendered its fifth loss to a Big Ten school this year against the Buckeyes. However, the Huskies put on an impressive display of tennis for the fans in doubles play.

After the Buckeyes pulled off a singles sweep, Marty Engel and Matt Green won what had to be the most phenomenal match of the entire season—or perhaps any season. The match featured a tie-breaker in every set and the dramatics went down to the final point.

The duo won the first set 7-6 (7-3), dropped the second 6-7 (5-7) and pulled out the decisive third set 7-6 (8-6).

Steve Senter and David Edelman were the other victorious duo for the Huskies. They took their match 7-6 (7-4), 6-4.

The magic in doubles play did not continue, however, in the meet with Bowling Green State University. Down 4-2 after singles play, the Huskies needed a sweep in doubles to pull out the win.

Instead, Bowling Green pulled off the sweep and allowed the Huskies only one set victory in the three matches.

Both of the team’s singles victories were hard-fought affairs that went three sets.

Matt Green snuck out with a 7-6 (7-4), 5-7, 6-4 victory and Andy Schoberlein handled his opponent with a 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 victory.

The loss dropped the Huskies’ mark to 2-12 on the season.

Up next for head coach Chuck Merzbacher’s crew will be California State University-Los Angeles on March 9. The meet will be at CSU as the Huskies spend spring break in sunny California.