March 2, 2006
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern's men's tennis team has been awarded a win in its Big Ten opener versus Wisconsin on Saturday, Feb. 18. The Badgers originally won the match, but the result was overturned after an official protest by Northwestern was upheld.
The Big Ten Men's Tennis Protest Committee reviewed the appeal filed by Northwestern regarding the placement of the No. 2 and No. 3 singles players and the No. 1 and No. 2 doubles teams in Wisconsin's lineup during the dual match. The three-person committee is comprised of the conference office liaison for men's tennis, the liaison for women's tennis, and the current year's men's tennis championship referee. The men's tennis coaches' chair serves as a non-voting member of the committee.
The ruling of the committee is that Wisconsin did violate ITA Rule II.K.3, which states that "players must play in order of ability." Northwestern will receive a win by default at No. 3 singles and No. 2 doubles. As a result, the final match score will be a 4-3 Northwestern win.
Questions regarding the decision may be directed to the Northwestern Media Services office.