ROCKFORD, Ill. – Reigning Horizon League Doubles Team of the Week Nicole Clarke and Nikki Milner continued their domination together defeating their opponents to improve to 3-0 together, but the team came up just short in a 4-3 loss to Northern Illinois this Saturday afternoon. 
 
Clarke and Milner picked up the lone doubles win defeating NIU's No. 1 doubles team Maria Potsi and Lara Slisko 6-3, but the Panthers (1-2) were unable to rally back against the Huskies (4-1) in singles after dropping the doubles point.
 
"We played well enough to win today, but we found ourselves doubting our abilities at some crucial times," said Panther head coach Jason Potthoff. "No. 1 doubles continues to impress, and No. 2 and No. 3 did some good things today, but not quite enough to come away with the doubles point. There were definitely some bright spots in singles, and everyone fought extremely hard, so we'll pick our heads up and work to get the momentum back in our favor starting with tomorrow's match." 
 
In singles, No. 2-4 picked up wins for the black & gold to get the team back in the match, but NIU's Christy Robinson clinched the match defeating Anika Tylek in a closely fought dual, 7-5, 7-5. 
 
Clarke lost just four games against Julia Dmitrieva to win 6-2, 6-2, while Milner beat out Brodie Walker 7-6(3), 7-6(4). With the win, Clarke improves to 3-0 and Milner 2-1 in singles play this season.
 
Additionally, Anna Daniel Fuentes picked up her second singles win of the season in a 6-4, 5-7, 6-0 victory over Fernanda Naves.
 
The Panthers will look to bounce back quickly tomorrow as the team hosts the Western Illinois Leathernecks. The match is set for 1 p.m. at River Glen Elite.