April 20, 2012
EVANSTON, Ill. - The No. 29 Purdue women's tennis team dropped a close decision against No. 12 Northwestern Wildcats. Jennifer Rabot had the biggest win of the year and the second biggest of her career as she knocked off No. 17 Kate Turvy, 6-3, 6-2.
Northwestern (16-7, 9-1 Big Ten) started the afternoon well as it swept the doubles point. The Wildcats won 8-6 at No. 1, 8-4 at No. 2, and 8-5 at No. 3. The top duo for Northwestern, Linda Abu Mushrefova and Veronica Corning are the nation's No. 90 duo.
The Wildcats quickly extended the lead to 2-0 with a win at No. 5. Abu Mushrefova knocked off Imogen Golder, 6-2, 6-1. Rabot then put the Boilermakers on the board with her dominant win in the top spot. Lynda Xepoleas then tied the score at two with a win at No. 2. The freshman outlasted Belinda Niu 7-6, 6-3. The Wildcats won the final three matches, all in three sets, to clinch the 5-2 victory.
Purdue is now 2-41 all-time against Northwestern.
The Boilermakers return home on Sunday to host senior day. Purdue will play No. 21 Illinois at noon ET. Sunday is also Purdue's Breast Cancer Awareness Match. The team encourages all fans to wear pink to support the cause. Donations will also be accepted for the Susan G. Komen For The Cure organization.