March 20, 2008

DEKALB, Ill.- Northern Illinois University women's tennis team opens up Mid-American Conference play this weekend when the Huskies take on Buffalo Friday and face Akron Saturday.

The Huskies (2-6) head into conference play looking to rebound from a tough spring break trip, losing to Stetson, 7-0, and Embry-Riddle, 4-3. While the trip wasn't what Ferrell and NIU were looking for, the Huskies were able to learn from it and are ready to apply those lessons to MAC play.

"I think we're ready for conference play. Our spring break trip taught us a lot," NIU head coach Ryun Ferrell said. "The big thing I want my kids to do is draw a line in the sand and go after their opponent as hard as they can. The tough thing about that is when you do indeed win it feels really good. If you lose it doesn't feel really good. That's just life."

Two Huskies, Katie Friedlund (Parkville, Mo. Park Hill South) and Nao Umemura (Kasugai-shi Aichi, Japan/Kardina International), have really impressed Ferrell thus far. Friedlund defeated her opponent from Embry-Riddle in straight sets, 6-2, 6-3 at No. 3 singles. Umemura fell in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2 at No. 1 singles, but played up to the level of her competition.

"I like Katie Friedlund right now. I moved her down to No. 3 singles against Embry-Riddle. I had some questions that needed to be answered. I challenged her, saying she had to be the most positive person on the court. She was increasingly positive point for point and just man-handled her opponent. It was great to see.

"I moved Nao Umemura up to No. 1 against Embry-Riddle. She played against a player that originally signed a letter of intent to play at Texas, which is a top 10 program. Nao played right with her. So I was really impressed with that. Everybody in their own little way is starting to step up and find their way."

NIU takes the court against Buffalo (5-4) and Akron (5-5) at 1 p.m. Friday and Saturday respectively at the Clock Tower Racquet Club in Rockford, Ill.