RUSTON – Louisiana Tech won a pair of tightly-contested singles matches at the top of the lineup, keying a 6-1 victory over visiting Northwestern State Friday afternoon that spoiled the Lady Demons' season opener in collegiate women's tennis.
 
The Techsters (3-1) took the doubles point with wins in the second and third slots, then got a 6-4, 6-3 victory in the No.  1 singles match between Alexandra Starkova of Louisiana Tech and NSU's Natalya Krutova. The competition ended later with a 7-6 (5), 6-2 triumph for the home team at the No. 2 position with Jazmin Britos prevailing over NSU's Iryna Vardanian.
 
The Lady Demons' point came at the No. 3 singles when Polina Mutel finished a 6-3, 6-1 victory over Zoe Chen.
 
NSU will visit SMU Monday afternoon at 3, then host UL Monroe Wednesday at 1:30 at the Jack Fisher Tennis Complex.
 

Northwestern State vs Louisiana Tech
 (LA Tech Tennis Complex)
 
Louisiana Tech 6, Northwestern State 1
 
Singles competition
 
1. Alexandra Starkova (LT) def. Natalya Krutova 6-4, 6-3
2. Jazmin Britos (LT) def. Iryna Vardanian 7-6 (7-5), 6-2
3. Polina Mutel (NSU) def. Zoe Chen 6-3, 6-1
4. Marta Sramkova (LT) def. Alzbeta Veverkova 7-5, 6-1
5. Alba Escalona Perny (LT) def. Barbora Kollarova 6-0, 6-4
6. Manoela Chiacchio (LT) def. Ilijana Ivic 6-4, 6-1
 
Doubles competition
 
1. Alexandra Starkova/Zoe Chen (LT) vs. Natalya Krutova/Iryna Vardanian 5-4, unfinished
2. Marta Sramkova/Jazmin Britos (LT) def. Polina Mutel/Alzbeta Veverkova 6-2
3. Taly Merker/Manoela Chiacchio (LT) def. Ilijana Ivic/Barbora Kollarova 6-3
 
Match Notes:
Northwestern State 0-1
Louisiana Tech 3-1
Order of finish: Doubles (2,3); Singles (1,5,6,3,4,2)