Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Women's Tennis preps for two weekend matches
03/15/2010 | 12:00:00 | Women's Tennis
March 15, 2010
www.SIUSalukis.com
MATCH INFORMATION
Date(s): March 20-21
Location: Carbondale, Ill.; Martin, Tenn.
Site(s): University Courts; Varsity Courts
Head Coaches: Audra Nothwehr (35-25 overall and at SIU); Ryun Ferrell (102-121 overall, 21-39 at Northern Illinois); Dennis Taylor (450-405 overall and at UT-Martin) - Division I only
Saluki Assistant Coaches: Ame Blacketer (Graduate Assistant); Fadzai Mawisire
NET NOTES
The Southern Illinois Women's Tennis team is in its 35th year of existence... Head Coach Audra Nothwehr is in her third season with the team and holds a 35-25 (.583) mark with the Salukis... Last season, SIU finished with a 17-8 record and were 5-3 in MVC play, finishing third... The Salukis advanced to the MVC Tournament semi-finals before bowing out to Northern Iowa... The Salukis 17-8 record was their best since 2000, when they finished with a 16-6 mark (.727).
ON THE SCHEDULE THIS WEEK
The Salukis begin the second half of the regular season with two weekend matches. The Dawgs face Northern Illinois on Saturday in Carbondale at 1 p.m., followed by a trip to the Volunteer State to take on UT-Martin on Sunday.
SCOUTING NORTHERN ILLINOIS
The Huskies sit at 5-4 on the season and are currently on a five match-winning streak, which includes a win over MVC member Northern Iowa. Guided by fourth year coach Ryun Ferrell, NIU looks to add to their 4-2 road mark - the best record the team has had under Ferrell. Leading Northern on the courts are seniors Brooke Forsberg and Stephanie Okuma.
SCOUTING UT-MARTIN
The Skyhawks hold a 3-2 record thus far, including wins over Lipscomb and Tennessee State. Longtime head coach Dennis Taylor directs the UTM squad that will only be playing their second home match when they face the Salukis. UTM features four freshmen on their seven-player roster.
THE LAST TIME...
Southern faced both teams last season, defeating NIU on Feb. 8, 5-2, and UTM on March 26, 7-0. The Dawgs have won their last three matches against Northern Illinois.
BUCKING THE TREND
With their 4-3 win over Nicholls State on March 11, the Salukis recorded their first road win of the season after dropping their first four. The repeated that feat the next day, as they downed New Orleans, 6-1.
BIG EASY BEATDOWN
Last week's 6-1 victory over the Privateers of New Orleans was the largest margin of victory for the Dawgs on the road in over the year. The last time the team won a match by that margin on the road was Apr. 1, 2009, when they defeated Tennessee Tech, 6-1.
THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME
Carbondale has become a formidable locale for opposing teams, as the Salukis now hold a 16-4 mark at home since Nothwehr took over the program in 2006-07. In addition, the team has won eight straight and 12 of their last 13 while in Carbondale.
