Feb. 8, 2006
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern senior All-American Cristelle Grier (Epsom, England/Putney) has been tabbed Big Ten Athlete of the Week, the conference office announced Wednesday. Grier earned the honor, the fifth of her career, after posting a perfect 3-0 singles mark last week at the USTA-ITA National Women's Team Indoor Championships. Grier helped the 'Cats go 2-1 at the tournament by taking three singles matches at the No. 1 and No. 2 spots -- including two over ranked opponents -- all in straight sets.
The 23rd-ranked Grier started the tournament out by topping California's 14th-ranked Susie Babos 6-1, 6-1 at No. 2 singles, evening the team score at 1-1.
While the 'Cats ultimately fell to Cal on the first day, Grier made sure Northwestern would prevail on day two.
With Northwestern leading No. 12 Kentucky 3-1, Grier clinched the match for the Wildcats by beating Joelle Schwenk at the No. 2 spot 6-4, 6-4. Earlier in the match, Grier, alongside teammate Georgia Rose (Mettawa, Ill./North Shore Country Day) topped Kentucky's 18th-ranked doubles team of Schwenk and Kim Coventry at No. 1 doubles, clinching the doubles point for the 'Cats.
Grier again clinched a match for Northwestern with her win at No. 1 singles versus sixth-ranked Georgia. Grier topped No. 37 Natalie Frazier 6-4, 6-4, leading NU to a 6-0 win over the Bulldogs.
Grier and the Wildcats return to action at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 11 as they host Alabama.