NIU Invitational Results (PDF)

CHARLESTON, Ill. -- The Eastern Illinois women's tennis squad had a nice fall opening to the season, competing at the five-team Northern Illinois Invitational this past weekend, earning five top-four finishes.

Overall, the Panthers went a combined 15-10 in singles and doubles play at the two-day event.

“I thought we got off to a very good start this weekend," said EIU head coach John Blackburn.  "I was particularly impressed with our results on the second day of the tournament, when we came out with great energy to finish 9-4 as a team in matches on Sunday. We're looking forward to getting back on the court next weekend at Ball State.”

Sophomore Amanda Dibbs and newcomer Kristen Laird each won their respective sections, at Flight D and E, with their respective 3-0 and 2-0 marks.  Junior Cara Huck, meanwhile, picked up a fourth place finish in the top draw at Flight A Singles, going 1-2 over the weekend.

“Amanda and Kristen had very good first tournaments," said Blackburn.  "I saw a lot of improvement in so many areas of Amanda's game in this first tournament of her sophomore year. I was also very impressed with Kristen's play in singles in her first college tournament.”

The top Panther doubles finish went to team of Amanda Dibbs and Annie Eagan, as they finished with a 2-1 mark to end up in second place at Flight B Doubles.  Also, Cara Huck and sophomore Shannon Brooks captured third place honors at Flight A Doubles behind a 2-1 duo finish.

Sophomore Juliana Frey ended up earning a fifth place consolation finish at Flight B Singles at 2-1, and teamed with Kristen Laird to finish 1-2 and end in seventh place at Flight B Doubles.  Also, Shannon Brooks captured a fifth place consolation spot in Flight C Singles at 2-1.

Next up for the Panthers in the fall slate will be Ball State Invitational action in Muncie, Ind. on Fri.-Sat., Sep. 18-19.

... for more info, contact Bart Rettberg, Asst. SID