DEKALB, Ill. -- Eastern Illinois women's tennis dropped a 4-3 match at instate foe Northern Illinois on Sunday, with the contest being held at the Clock Tower Racquet Club in DeKalb.

With each squad taking three singles matches apiece, the contest was decided by the doubles point, as the Huskies took two of three of the duo matchups to scratch past EIU.

Singles winners for the Panthers (2-4) included sophomores Juliana Frey and Shannon Brooks at No. 3 and No. 4 spots, respectively.  Both Frey and Brooks were able to gut out each win in three set affairs.

Also picking up a singles match for EIU was newcomer Merritt Whitley at the No. 5 spot, as she hit passed her NIU opponent in straight sets.

In doubles, the duo of Brooks and freshman Kristin Laird picked up the lone Eastern win at No. 3.

In exhibition play, junior Carolyn Rutili dropped an 8-1 contest to her Huskie opponent.

The Panthers will now try and regroup prior to their next match against another regional rival, as EIU will travel to Bloomington to face the Redbirds of Illinois State this Friday (Feb. 26) at 7 pm.

NIU Women 4, EIU Women 3
February 21, 2010 (Rockford, Ill.)

Singles
1. Emily Rogers (NIU) def. Cara Huck (EIU) - 6-4, 6-4
2. Brittni Fausett (NIU) def. Amanda Dibbs (EIU) - 4-6, 6-4, 6-4
3. Juliana Frey (EIU) def. Kelly Phillips (NIU) - 6-1, 3-6, 6-3
4. Shannon Brooks (EIU) def. Sara McLaughlin (NIU) - 6-1, 2-6, 6-4
5. Merritt Whitley (EIU) def. Stephanie Okuma (NIU) - 6-4, 6-3
6. Brooke Forsberg (NIU) def. Annie Egan (EIU) - 6-4, 6-3

Doubles
1. Forsberg/Rogers (NIU) def. Dibbs/Whitley (EIU) - 8-5
2. Okuma/McLaughlin (NIU) def. Huck/Frey (EIU) - 8-1
3. Brooks/Laird (EIU) def. Fausett/Phillips (NIU) - 8-5

Exh: Kendall Robison (NIU) def. Carolyn Rutili (EIU) - 8-1

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