NACOGDOCHES, Texas – The Northwestern State women's tennis team picked up its fourth Southland Conference win Saturday afternoon in a 5-2 victory over Stephen F. Austin.
 
The Lady Demons (11-5, 4-2 SLC) are now two matches above .500 with five matches to play before the conference tournament begins on April 29.
 
"The entire team played with very good process today," head coach Olga Bazhanova said. "SFA is a talented team – this is a very good win for us on the road."
 
Freshman Emilija Dancetovic clinched the match against the Ladyjacks (7-8, 3-4) with a 6-4, 6-4 triumph on court four. Dancetovic evened her conference record at 3-3 with the win.
 
Continuing her run of impressive success as a freshman, Judit Castillo gutted out a three-set 6-0, 2-6, 6-2 victory. Castillo is 9-2 this season, splitting time between the Nos. 5 & 6 positions.
 
NSU has set the tone this season starting in doubles play. The Lady Demons are 11-4 in Southland doubles competition and 24-14 overall in dual play doubles.
 
Castillo and sophomore Iryna Vardanian clinched the doubles point for the Lady Demons with a 6-3 victory in doubles position No. 2.
 
Junior Polina Ivanova and sophomore Polina Mutel secured the first doubles victory, also winning 6-3 on court one.
 
The Ladyjacks were able to put pressure on the Lady Demons with a 6-4 win on court three shortly before Castillo and Vardanian clinched.
 
"We had a great team energy and intensity," Bazhanova said. "I am proud of the girls came out strong and competed today."
 
The Lady Demons have a few days off before traveling to Lafayette to make up a match against Lamar (11-4, 3-1) on Wednesday at 10 a.m.