Chambana Sun

Freshman Ariel Madatali played a crucial role in securing a 4-2 victory for the Fighting Illini women's tennis team against Northwestern on Saturday. The match took place at the Atkins Tennis Center, marking Illinois' first home win of the season and bringing their record to 1-1.

This encounter was the 68th meeting between Illinois and Northwestern, with Illinois holding a 13-55 all-time record against the Wildcats. However, they have now won five consecutive matches against this opponent.

In doubles play, Megan Heuser and Kida Ferrari overcame an early deficit to claim a 6-4 victory at No. 1 doubles. Meanwhile, McKenna Schaefbauer and Kasia Treiber suffered a narrow defeat at No. 2 doubles with a score of 7-5. Alice Xu and Violeta Martinez clinched another point for Illinois with a tiebreak win at No. 3 doubles.

Schaefbauer gave Illinois an early lead in singles by winning her match at the top court in straight sets. Northwestern responded with victories at No. 6 and No. 5 singles, leveling the match score at one point.

Heuser's triumph at No. 2 singles restored Illinois' advantage before Madatali sealed the overall win with her comeback performance in three sets at No. 4 singles.

The final score was Illinois (1-1) defeating Northwestern (1-1) by four matches to two.

Illinois will continue their homestand with upcoming matches against Georgia Tech on January 31st and Colorado on February 2nd, followed by hosting the ITA National Indoor Championships from February 7th to February 9th.