Feb. 6, 2009

EVANSTON, Ill. -- After a nearly two-week break, Northwestern heads to Middle Tennessee State for its first away dual of the 2008-09 season. The undefeated Wildcats look to continue their winning ways against the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders. Play is set to begin at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Nashboro Village Athletic Club in Nashville, Tenn.

NU has a 5-0 record heading into its first away dual after completing a highly successful two-week homestand to open the season. The 'Cats posted victories over Butler, University of Chicago, IUPUI, Western Illinois and Illinois-Chicago. Northwestern is off to its best record since the 2000-01 season

This is the first ever meeting between the Wildcats and Blue Raiders. Middle Tennessee's wins so far this season include a 7-0 victory over Chattanooga and a 6-1 victory over Tennessee Tech

"Middle Tennessee State University is a quality team that typically makes the NCAA tournament every year," said head coach Arvid Swan. "They have exceptional doubles as evidenced by one of their teams winning the NCAA title two years ago. I expect a tough match and I hope the team will rise to the occasion.

The Wildcats return home Saturday, February 15, for a doubleheader as they host Ball State and Lewis at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., respectively.