Eastern Michigan Tennis Falls 5-2 to Northern Illinois in MAC Opener: Match Highlights & Insights

The Eastern Michigan University tennis team faced a tough challenge against Northern Illinois University on March 16, losing 5-2 in their first Mid-American Conference match of the season at the Nelson Tennis Center in DeKalb, Illinois. The Eagles (7-7, 0-1 MAC) initially took control by winning the doubles point. Prerna Vichare from Mumbai, India, even extended their lead with a singles win. However, the Huskies (13-3, 1-0 MAC) rallied back, winning all five remaining matches.

Head Coach Ryan Kucera praised the team for their high level of play, especially in doubles. “It was a back-and-forth battle," he said. "Our girls fought hard, but NIU played tough when it mattered.” His sentiments reflect a broader reality in college tennis, where every match is a fierce competition.

In doubles, Sabina Brichackova and Vichare began the day strong with a 6-2 win, marking Brichackova’s 57th career doubles victory, placing her 19th on the program’s all-time list. Vichare is close behind with 55 wins. Furthermore, the combination of Lara Diaz Zayas and Daniella Shved clinched the double point for the Eagles with a 7-5 victory, bringing their record together to 6-1 this season.

Vichare’s success continued into singles, where she won 7-5, 6-4 at No. 3, pushing her total to 90 career wins—just 10 wins shy of reaching the milestone of 100 combined wins at EMU.

Despite the promising start, the Huskies dominated the singles matches that followed. Brichackova, Viki Hazmukova, Shved, and Marta Komar all fought hard but ultimately fell in three sets.

The loss stings, but it also highlights the competitiveness of the MAC. Each match is crucial, as the Eagles aim to improve and build upon their experiences. Kucera noted, “Every MAC match is a battle, and we’ll use this to propel us forward.”

Next up, the Eagles will face Western Michigan on March 21, looking to turn their fortunes around.

In the fast-paced world of collegiate sports, every match matters, and every win brings the players closer to their goals. Vichare’s journey and the team’s performance serve as inspiration as they push through the season.

For those looking to follow EMU tennis, check out their updates on Instagram (@emu_tennis), X (@EMUEaglesTennis), and Facebook (EMUTennis).

Match Summary
Final Score: Northern Illinois def. Eastern Michigan, 5-2
Singles Results:

1. Maria Dzemeshkevich (NI) def. Daniella Shved, 6-2, 3-6, 7-5
2. Irmak Budak (NI) def. Viki Hazmukova, 6-4, 3-6, 7-5
3. Prerna Vichare (EM) def. Erika Dimitriev, 7-5, 6-4
4. Nataly Ninova (NI) def. Sabina Brichackova, 6-7(0), 6-4, 6-1
5. Lucia Yecora (NI) def. Marta Komar, 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-3
6. Isabella Righi (NI) def. Regina Mendez, 6-2, 6-1

Doubles Results:

1. Brichackova/Vichare (EM) def. Dzemeshkevich/Ninova, 6-2
2. Righi/Yecora (NI) def. Hazmukova/Komar, 6-3
3. Diaz Zayas/Shved (EM) def. Horne/Welch, 7-5

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