The Northwestern Wildcats have escaped South Bend, Indiana with a victory. In their only game of the weekend, Northwestern (2-3) beat Notre Dame (5-3) on Friday by a score of 4-3.
Northwestern took an early lead and came out victorious in the doubles point. Led by Briana Crowley and Hannah McColgan, the ‘Cats took a commanding lead on Court #2, and won by a score of 6-4. The dynamic duo of Clarissa and Christina Hand played phenomenal as well, and replicated the same scoreline over on Court #3.
Despite their quick win in the doubles point, Northwestern was not able to translate the same success to singles. On Court #1, Julie Byrne had an early lead of 6-2, but lost the subsequent sets 1-6, 3-6, which lost her the match. Elsewhere, Inci Ogut fought hard for a win, as she beat Cameron Corse of Notre Dame by a score of 6-2, 6-4.
Northwestern actually found themselves in a 2-3 hole early on, as Briana Crowley (3-6, 3-6) and Caroline Pozo (0-6, 7-5, 4-6) lost their matches quickly. However, it was Clarissa Hand (5-7, 6-3, 6-3) and Hannah McColgan (2-6, 7-6, 6-1) who saved the day for Northwestern. They continued their outstanding play, and both had marvelous comebacks to give the ‘Cats the edge over the Irish and to win the game.
Just what the doctor ordered: A DUB. #B1GCats pic.twitter.com/NyEaCKP9j1
— NU Women's Tennis (@NUWildcatTennis) February 8, 2020
Although the ‘Cats came away with the victory, they came very close to losing this one. Looking ahead, Northwestern has a double-header on Sunday, February 16, where they will be taking on Georgia Tech at noon and UIC at 6 p.m.