NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State took control from the outset Sunday in its final regular-season match of the season, inspired by seniors Natalie Krutova and Katerina Piatkova, and posted the sixth win in the last seven matches and fourth straight in a 5-2 victory over Sam Houston State.

The Lady Demons (11-10 overall, 7-4 in the Southland Conference) needed only 35 minutes to win the doubles point, and secured the match victory with four straight set singles triumphs to go up 4-0 over a valiant Sam Houston State squad (7-13, 2-9).

NSU, which has won 10 of the last 14 overall, will have a weekend off while the final matches in the conference race are played. The Lady Demons could wind up as high as second in the seedings for the Southland Tournament beginning April 22 at Nacogdoches, Texas.

Dominating in doubles, Polina Mutel and Iryna Vardanian at No. 2 and Alzbeta Veverkova and Barbora Kollarova at No. 3 each notched 6-1 victories. Vardanian started her No. 2 singles match moments later and took just 48 minutes for a 6-0, 6-0 whitewash for a 2-0 NSU lead.

"It was an emotional day for our seniors, Kate and Natalie. The whole team took that emotion and  started with very good energy and process in doubles," said second-year head coach Olga Bazhanova.

Polina Ivanova pulled out a hard-fought 6-4 first set in the No. 4 match, then rolled 6-1 to make it 3-0. The overall outcome was clinched at No. 5 when Kollarova survived a late second-set rally and recovered in the tiebreaker to post a 6-2, 7-6 (3) triumph over Mila Milanovic.

Mutel polished off a comeback at No. 3 with a 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 victory over Ema Barkovic for a 5-0 lead, before a baseline battle at No. 6 went SHSU's way. A titanic three-setter at No. 1 ended the match when the visitors' Fabienne Gettwart pulled off a remarkable rally in the third set, recovering from a 4-1 deficit and completing a 6-2, 2-6, 7-5 decision over Krutova.

"In singles the girls were focused. In some positions we're still struggling but the girls want to win, they come to fight. This win today was very important for us as a team," said Bazhanova.

"Everyone played well today. Natalie's match was close, and she competed very well. She fought and her opponent played extremely well. Natalie has been really important for us. She has been a tremendous help for the team, a true team player and wonderful leader. We will miss her.

"Our other senior, Kate, couldn't play this season but she has been helping every way she can. We have won three championships with these seniors so that success speaks for itself, and they're not done yet," she said. "It's fun to be around these girls and a lot of good things will come, hopefully in the conference tournament and for all the returning players, in the following seasons."

For the second straight season, NSU has overcome a tough start against a demanding non-conference schedule to build momentum and stack up wins in Southland play. This team, with four newcomers, has rounded into form nicely after some inconsistent play earlier in the year.

"I see the improvements over the past month. This match was very good in terms of keeping our momentum moving forward," said Bazhanova. "We had a slow start to the season, but the girls are coming around, especially for a young team. Whichever seed we get, I believe we will come out focused and play well."

Northwestern State 5, Sam Houston State University 2

Jack Fisher Tennis Complex, Natchitoches, LA

Singles competition

1. Fabienne Gettwart (SHSU) def. Natalya Krutova 6-2, 2-6, 7-5

2. Iryna Vardanian (NSU) def. Carrie Casey 6-0, 6-0

3. Polina Mutel (NSU) def. Ema Barkovic 3-6, 6-4, 6-3

4. Polina Ivanova (NSU) def. Khee Yen Wee 6-4, 6-1

5. Barbora Kollarova (NSU) def. Mila Milanovic 6-2, 7-6 (3)

6. Maddie Mortimore (SHSU) def. Alzbeta Veverkova 6-1, 6-2

Doubles competition

1. Natalya Krutova/Polina Ivanova (NSU) vs. Fabienne Gettwart/Mila Milanovic unfinished

2. Polina Mutel/Iryna Vardanian (NSU) def. Carrie Casey/Khee Yen Wee (SHSU) 6-1

3. Alzbeta Veverkova/Barbora Kollarova (NSU) def. Caitlyn Mitchell/Ema Barkovic 6-1
 

Match Notes:

Order of finish: Doubles (2,3); Singles (2,4,5,6,3,1)

Records:  NSU 11-10, 7-4; SHSU 7-13, 2-9.

T-3:05 A-120