May 11, 2002

Chicago, Ill. - The unprecedented season for the University of Illinois at Chicago women's tennis team came to a conclusion on Saturday afternoon in Evanston, as the nation's 15th-ranked team, Northwestern, knocked off the Flames, 4-0, at the Combe Tennis Center in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

"Northwestern has competed against the best teams in the country and they showed it today," said UIC head coach Shannon Tully. "We played hard and showed a lot of heart out there."

UIC finishes the season at 17-12, while Northwestern moves to play Wisconsin tomorrow in the round of 32 after beating Notre Dame.

The Wildcats grabbed the doubles point early, as Northwestern won the first and second doubles matches to secure the 1-0 lead.

The Flames battled in singles action, but were worn down by a talented and tournament tested NU squad.

Ruth Barnes defeated Zorica Malesevic at No.6 singles, 6-1, 6-0, while Simona Petrutiu defeated Karen Liwanpo, 6-0, 6-1, at No.4 singles.

Andrea Yung clinched the match for the 'Cats with a 6-2, 6-2 victory over Zvjezdana Malesevic in the fifth singles contest.

"It's tough to end a season with a loss, but to end it in the NCAA Tournament is a positive to build on," added Tully.

Four UIC seniors wrapped-up their storied tennis careers in a Flames uniform on Saturday. Tully will lose the services of Kim Harris, Alyson Stalzer, Karen Liwanpo and Britta Dohmann next season.