Northwestern University Athletics
Northwestern Hoping To Make History In Quarterfinals
5/16/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
May 16, 2008
TULSA, Okla. -- No. 1-seeded Northwestern is hoping to make history with a victory over the eighth-seeded California Golden Bears in the quarterfinal round Saturday. With a win, the Wildcats would advance to their first NCAA Championship semifinals appearance.
The 'Cats (29-1) have traveled smoothly through the tournament's opening three rounds. With 4-0 victories over Illinois-Chicago and Indiana, the Wildcats made the trek to Tulsa, Okla., one step closer to a national crown. The Wildcats are set to take on California (19-5) at noon Saturday, May 17.
On Thursday, No. 1-seed Northwestern defeated the 16th-seeded Fresno State Bulldogs 4-1 to advance to the quarterfinal round against California. Head coach Claire Pollard was pleased with the hard work and poise from her squad Thursday. "We expected a battle from Fresno State. We played them early on in the year and they're an outstanding team and really well coached," said Pollard. "I wasn't surprised that it was a battle out there. I think it was a big bonus for us that we got the doubles point. We didn't get it against them the first time, and I think that helped us a little bit today."
The Golden Bears won a thriller over ninth-seeded Duke 4-3 on Thursday to advance to the final round of eight remaining teams. Northwestern and California met previously this season, with the Wildcats taking a 4-0 sweep over the Golden Bears during the National Indoor Championships in February. In that match, after sweeping the doubles point, the 'Cats picked up straight set singles wins from No. 2 Georgia Rose (6-4, 6-3), No. 4 Lauren Lui (6-3, 6-3) and No. 6 Suzie Matzenauer (6-4, 6-2).
Northwestern will play in its second quarterfinal match in the past three seasons. The 'Cats also are making their fourth appearance in the fourth round since the NCAA tennis tournament began in 1982. In 2006, the Wildcats fell to Southern California 4-3 in the quarterfinals.
The NCAA Championships are taking place at the Michael D. Case Tennis Center on the campus of the University of Tulsa. The team championship runs May 15-20, with the singles and doubles championships being held at the same venue, May 21-26. For additional tournament information, including brackets, live stats, video and statistics, please visit Tulsa's Official championship homepage. Below is the remaining tournament schedule.
Saturday, May 17 - Noon vs. California (Quarterfinals)
Monday, May 19 - Noon, Semifinals
Tuesday, May 20 - 2 p.m., National Championship
