The ISU women’s tennis team matched its skills against some of the toughest teams in the country at last weekend’s Wildcat Invitational hosted by Northwestern.

Cyclone sophomore Danielle Uscinski battled her way to the final round of her singles flight, finally losing in two sets to Northwestern’s Alexis Conill. Uscinski won the first three of her four matches in three sets, two sets and two sets, respectively.

“It was the best finish at a tournament for us this season,” head coach Michele Conlon said. “[Danielle] Uscinski was simply outstanding. To see her in the finals of her draw was tremendous.”

Uscinski was surprised by her finish.

“I honestly didn’t think I would make it through the whole tournament,” Uscinski said. “I was excited — it’s fun to play against girls who are ranked higher than you.”

Uscinski’s solid performance at the tournament was unexpected because of a foot injury that kept her quiet earlier this fall at the Gopher Invitational in Minneapolis.

The Scottsdale, Ariz., native is excited about the weekend’s tournament because until now, she has been practicing only about half of the time.

The foot is healing, and the anticipation of the upcoming regional tournament has Uscinski pumped.

“It gives me something to look forward to,” Uscinski said. “I’ve gained a lot of confidence back, and I’m ready to play.”

Uscinski’s ability to fight her way to the finals of her singles match proved to be a determining factor in the performances of her teammates as well.

Freshman Caitlin Loprinzi finished her singles bid in fourth place at the tournament, coming back from a second set loss against Northwestern’s Valerie Vladea.

“Any time you’re winning matches can be contagious,” Conlon said. “We set a good tone, [and] hopefully we can carry it on.”

First-time doubles partners Beth Chermel and Chrissy Derouin won two out of three doubles matches after losing the second match to a duo from Western Michigan.

Chermel and Derouin’s victory in the third match was eventful because of the mental challenge that is created after losing the second, Conlon said.

“They overcame a hurdle in that match,” Conlon said. “I was pleased.”

The tournament was moved indoors Friday after rain forced the netters to play in Northwestern’s indoor facility, which has six courts.

The team will return to practice this week in Ames, preparing for next week’s regional tournament in Tulsa, Okla.