The Hope College women's tennis team won one singles flight against NCAA Division I opponent Northern Illinois on Saturday during a 6-1 match loss in Rockford, Illinois.

Sophomore Kate Mader of Granger, Indiana (Penn HS), defeated Northern Illinois' Evelyn Youel 3-6, 7-5, 10-2 at No. 6 singles.

It was the Flying Dutch's first match of the spring season. Northern Illinois is the alma mater of Hope coach Adam Ford, and he was a nationally ranked doubles player there during a four-year career.

At No. 1 singles, sophomore Nancy Benda of Birmingham, Michigan (Seaholm HS), lost to Nelle Youel 6-4, 7-6 (5).

At No. 2 singles, junior Claire Cooper of Williamston, Michigan (Williamston HS), fell to Cristina Alvarez 6-4, 6-4.

At No. 3 singles, senior Carli Capestany of Hudsonville, Michigan (Hudsonville HS), lost to Mary Malkin 6-2, 6-2.

At No. 4 singles, junior Anna Garcia of Battle Creek, Michigan (Lakeview HS), fell to Arantza De La Torre 6-0, 6-0.

At No. 5 singles, freshman Natalie Rahrig of Fort Wayne, Indiana (Bishop Luers HS), lost to Abigail Dekkinga 6-1, 6-3.

The Flying Dutch dropped two doubles matches.

Benda and Capestany fell to Alvarez and Nelle Youel 6-1 at No. 1 doubles.

Cooper and sophomore Kelly Daniel of Zeeland, Michigan (Zeeland East HS), lost to Malkin and Evelyn Youel 6-1. 

Hope returns to action on Saturday, February 28, when it hosts Saint Mary's in the MIAA opener at the Dewitt Tennis Center. Start time is 1 p.m.