NATCHITOCHES – Finally playing in the friendly confines of the Jack Fisher Tennis Complex, the Northwestern State women's tennis team picked up their first win of the season Thursday over UL Lafayette, 4-0.
Both returners and freshmen were eager to show out for the home crowd. The Lady Demons (1-3) completed the sweep of ULL (1-2) in under two hours, proving they were ready for the occasion.
"We played good tennis today," head coach Olga Bazhanova said. "The girls were very focused and consistent. We came out with a great team effort - I am proud of how they played."
A pair of quick wins in doubles spurred a hot start on a cool and windy Thursday afternoon.
Freshmen duo Vladislava Litvinova and Kateryna Avram quickly dispatched ULL's Carla Ortega and India Shiaelis 6-1 on court three to pick up the first doubles win for the Lady Demons on the year.
Junior Polina Ivanova and freshman Emilija Dancetovic clinched the doubles point with a 6-2 victory on court two over the Ragin' Cajuns' Alexandra Way and Abby Johnson.
The momentum carried over to singles competition where the Lady Demons only dropped nine games in the three deciding matches.
Ivanova and sophomore Iryna Vardanian secured two match points simultaneously with a pair of 6-2, 6-1 wins on courts one and two respectively.
Moments later, Litvinova shut her opponent, Shiaelis, down with a 6-1, 6-2 win.
Litvinova's strong play drew the attention of coaches and teammates.
"Vlada (Litvinova) played very well and she clinched the point for us today", Bazhanova said.
"Im very proud that Vlada was able to win her first singles and doubles matches today," Vardanian said. "It's nice that we clinched so fast. We have two more matches that we are looking to win. We will just continue with the process and play like we did today and I'm sure we will see good results this weekend."
The Lady Demons will have a day off from competition before returning to the courts to face a tough Southern Mississippi Saturday at 11 a.m and Louisiana Tech on Sunday at 2 p.m.
"Both teams are very talented and well coached," Bazhanova said. "We have to stick with the process, we have to stay aggressive and take chances when we create them."
Follow updates on the team all season on Twitter @NSUdemonsWTN.
Singles competition
1. Polina Ivanova (NWST) def. Alexandra Way (ULL) 6-2, 6-1
2. Iryna Vardanian (NWST) def. Lucile Delabarre (ULL) 6-2, 6-1
3. Polina Mutel (NWST) vs. Kelly Drew (ULL) 3-6, 4-3, unfinished
4. Emilija Dancetovic (NWST) vs. Abby Johnson (ULL) 3-6, 4-1, unfinished
5. Vladislava Litvinova (NWST) def. India Shiaelis (ULL) 6-1, 6-2
6. Judit Castillo (NWST) vs. Carla Ortega (ULL) 6-1, 2-4, unfinished
Doubles competition
1. Polina Mutel/Iryna Vardanian (NWST) vs. Kelly Drew/Lucile Delabarre (ULL) 4-2, unfinished
2. Emilija Dancetovic/Polina Ivanova (NWST) def. Alexandra Way/Abby Johnson (ULL) 6-2
3. Vladislava Litvinova/Kateryna Avram (NWST) def. Carla Ortega/India Shiaelis (ULL) 6-1
Match Notes:
UL Lafayette 1-2
Northwestern State 1-3
Order of finish: Doubles (3,2); Singles (1,2,5)
T-1:48 A-107
