April 28, 2002
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Four must also be a charm.
The Wildcat women's tennis team captured their fourth straight Big Ten Championship title Sunday afternoon with a 4-1 win over Wisconsin at the Indiana University Tennis Center in Bloomington, Ind.
"It's absolutely a thrill every time we win the Big Ten Championship," said Head Coach Claire Pollard. "It is always a goal of the season, and we know that it is anyone's tournament when you arrive."
After a grueling match with the Badgers three weeks ago that resulted in a 4-3 NU win, the 'Cats were prepared for a battle today.
Northwestern opened the match by winning at No. 2 and No. 3 for the first point. Marine Piriou and Jessica Rush defeated Katie McGaffigan and Lindsay Martin, 8-5, at No. 2. After a loss in yesterday's semifinals, Ruth Barnes and Andrea Yung rebounded at No. 3 to defeat Vanessa Rauh and Katie Dougherty 8-4.
With momentum on their sides, the 'Cats won three singles matches in straight sets to seal the victory and bring home the hardware. Junior Piriou stepped up at No. 1 singles and defeated Vanessa Rauh, 6-3, 6-3. Rush was also a winner, downing Shana McElroy 6-4, 6-1 at No. 3. Simona Petrutiu was the 6-1, 6-1 winner at No. 4, defeating Katie McGaffigan en route to the 4-1 win.
"For the last few years, we have proven that we are the best team in the Big Ten," said Pollard. "We won't let one moment or the record books define us. We are a team that prides itself on always showing up and never being an easy out."
Wisconsin's only win came at No. 6 where Martin defeated Barnes, 6-3, 6-3.
The Wildcats will have a week off to prepare for NCAA Regional action. Match location and times will be announced later this week.
#1 Northwestern vs. #2 Wisconsin
NU 4, UW 1
SINGLES
No. 1 Marine Piriou (NU) def. Vanessa Rauh (UW), 6-3, 6-3
No. 2 Lia Jackson (NU) vs. Linde Mues (UW), 4-6, 4-3, abandoned
No. 3 Jessica Rush (NU) def. Shana McElroy (UW), 6-4, 6-1
No. 4 Simona Petrutiu (NU) def. Katie McGaffigan (UW), 6-1, 6-1
No. 5 Andrea Yung (NU) vs. Katie Dougherty (UW), 6-4, 2-3, abandoned
No. 6 Lindsay Martin (WIS) def. Ruth Barnes (NU), 6-3, 6-3
DOUBLES
No. 1 Jackson/Petrutiu (NU) vs. Mues/Lara Vojnov (UW), 7-5, abandoned
No. 2 Piriou/Rush (NU) def. McGaffigan/Martin (UW), 8-5
No. 3 Barnes/Yung (NU) def. Rush/Dougherty (UW), 8-4