Makoric Lifts Huskers Past Illini

Lincoln, Neb.- The No. 46 Nebraska women’s tennis team improved to 7-3 in Big Ten play after defeating Illinois 4-3 on Sunday.  After securing the doubles point, the Huskers managed three singles wins to secure the victory.

To begin the doubles portion of the day, Hayley Haakenstad and Chloe Kuckelman took down Illinois duo Ashley Yeah and Shivani Ingle 6-1. 

Kristina Novak and Samantha Alicea fell to Asuka Kawai and Josie Frazier 3-6. With the doubles point riding on the outcome of the match between Huskers Isabel Adrover Gallego and Claire Reifeis and Illini Emilee Duong and Kate Duong, the Huskers managed a 6-3 victory. 

The Illini came back strong in singles play as Adrover Gallego fell to Kate Duong by a score of 1-6, 4-6. Haakenstad reponded for the Huskers, defeating Shivani Ingle 6-1, 7-5 to bring the overall match score up to 2-1. Novak found similar success in her match against Asika Kawai, as she took the match 7-5, 6-4.  The Illini bounced back as Josie Frazier and Emily Duong defeated Kuckelman and Reifeis, respectively. Reifies took Duong to three sets before falling by a score of 6-4, 2-6, 4-6. 

With the overall match score tied 3-3, Maja Makoric clinched the win for the Huskers with her 6-7, 7-6, 6-3 victory over Ashley Yeah. 

The Huskers are back on the courts next weekend as they host Minnesota on Friday and Wisconsin on Sunday. 

Results 

Doubles

1.  Asuka Kawai/Josie Frazier (ILL) def. Kristina Novak/Samantha Alicea (NEB) 6-3

2. Isabel Adrover Gallego/Claire Reifeis (NEB) def. Emilee Duong/Kate Duong (ILL) 6-3

3. Hayley Haakenstad/Chloe Kuckelman (NEB) def. Ashley Yeah/Shivani Ingle(ILL) 6-1

Singles

1. Kristina Novak def. Asuka Kawai 7-5, 6-4

2. Kate Duong def. Isabel Adrover Gallego 1-6, 4-6

3.  Emilee Duong def. Claire Reifeis 6-4, 2-6, 4-6

4.  Maja Makoric def. Ashley Yeah 6-7, 7-6, 6-3

5.  Josie Frazier def. Chloe Kuckelman 6-3, 1-6, 4-6

6.  Hayley Haakenstad def. Shivani Ingle 6-1, 7-5