?? Sweet Combe#GoCats pic.twitter.com/nMebHeuwv7
— NU Women’s Tennis (@NUWildcatTennis) January 15, 2023
Northwestern wasted no time in getting started in Saturday’s doubleheader opener against UIC, with the pairings of Sydney Pratt and Briana Crowley and Justine Leong and Christina Hand each posting 6-2 wins to stake the Wildcats to an early 1-0 lead.
In single actions, the ‘Cats kept their foot on the gas, not dropping a set to the visiting Flames. Leong turned in a pair of dominant 6-0 showings, while Kiley Rabjohns was just as impressive, sweeping the first set, 6-0, ahead of a 6-1 second-set triumph.
The nightcap against Chicago State followed a similar script, with Leong and Christina Hand joining forces for a 6-0 victory that secured the doubles point.
Hand (6-2, 6-0), Leong (6-1, 6-1), Crowley (6-0, 6-2), and Aino Alkio (6-2, 6-0) each dropped only two games, while Maria Shusharina, a 2021-22 All-Big Ten pick, slammed the door shut on the night with consecutive 6-2 set wins.
Box scores for both matchups from this past Saturday can be accessed to the right.
Gallery: (1-14-2023) Women’s Tennis vs. UIC
LOOKING AHEAD
Northwestern closes out a season-opening three-match homestand on Sunday, January 22 when it plays host to Vanderbilt inside the Combe Tennis Center. First serve is slated for 12 p.m.
Currently slotted at No. 21 in the latest Intercollegiate Tennis Association Team Rankings, the Commodores, who advanced to the NCAA Super Regionals last season, started 2023 at the Miami Spring Invitational last weekend, winning four of eight singles matches in addition to a doubles triumph.
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