Already a heavy favorite heading into their home opener against Northern Illinois (0-0 MAC, 0-1 overall), the Wisconsin women's tennis team (0-0 Big Ten, 0-1) was aided by NIU forfeits at No. 3 doubles and No. 6 singles en route to a convincing 7-0 victory over the Huskies.
After dropping just one game in the two doubles matches, UW swept through five singles matches in two-set fashion to secure the victory Saturday at the Nielson Tennis Stadium.
'In the first home dual match of the season, there are a lot of nerves,' Wisconsin head coach Patti Henderson said. 'There are always more nerves at home than when you are playing away. I think everyone did a very good job of handling those nerves.'
Junior Caitlin Burke continued her strong play, teaming with Elizabeth Carpenter to defeat Dora Delgadillo and Megan Brooks 8-0 at No. 1 doubles, before overwhelming Delgadillo again, 6-0 6-0 at No. 1 singles. The victory increased Burke's winning streak to four matches.
'Wisconsin's women are very good and very accomplished. They're not just one of the top teams in the Big Ten or the Midwest, they're one of the top in the nation,' NIU coach Pontus Hiort said. Rounding out the day for the Badgers, freshman Liz Carpenter notched 6-1, 6-0 win over Megan Brooks at No. 4 singles and sophomore Chelsea Nusslock beat Lilian Asuaje 6-1, 6-1 at No. 3.
Playing without sophomore Nicole Beck, Henderson praised her players for filling in the voids when needed.
'Erin Jobe has done a really good job and so has Lexi [Goldin]. They are making the most of their chances to step in,' Henderson said. 'The great thing about this team is that when we put six players out on the court, I know they're always going to go out there and compete.'
