NATCHITOCHES— Early doubles momentum and dominant singles play sparked by sophomore Ela Iwaniuk allowed Northwestern State to maintain its undefeated Southland Conference women's tennis record with a 6-1 triumph over Stephen F. Austin. 

NSU (11-5 overall, 7-0 Southland) had instant speed Saturday at the Jack Fisher Tennis Complex as Emilija Dancetovic and Iwaniuk overwhelmed their SFA foes in a 6-0 swipe at the No. 3 doubles position. 

"It was great," Iwaniuk said. "We had a really great process, and we kept doing the right things so our opponents couldn't find a way to defeat us." 

Their successful partnership set up Polina Mutel and Polina Ivanova to clinch the doubles point at No. 1. 

"We did a very good job in doubles with our process," head coach Patric DuBois said. "I felt we continued to do so on each court in singles." 

Finishing first in the No. 4 slot, Iwaniuk surrendered only three games to 2017 Southland Conference Newcomer of the Year Kaja Ljubic in a 6-2, 6-1 triumph. Ljubic won 2017 All-Southland Conference first-team doubles and second-team singles honors. 

"It was good, but it was challenging," Iwaniuk said. "I was stepping in, I was very offensive and I didn't let the opponent keep her game." 

Falling to Nida Kamal, Kateryna Avram's 6-0, 6-2 miss was the only overall point for SFA (1-13, 1-6), and briefly brought the overall match score within a threatening 2-1. 

"We talked all week about how SFA is better than their record," DuBois said. "They proved it today as we had several high quality matches." 

Ivanova, the team's lone senior, garnered a 6-2, 6-3 straight-set win over Sian Payne in the No. 2 slot, and Mutel followed just moments later at No. 1 with a 6-2, 6-3 triumph against Gabi Guilarte to clinch NSU's seventh consecutive league win. 

"I am proud of each lady who is willing to stay out there grinding," DuBois said. "They're willing to find a way to compete at all times." 

Claiming the final NSU points, Dancetovic prevailed 10-4 in a super tiebreaker against Darinka Tiboldi after a 6-0 first-set win and a 2-6 second-set loss. 

Castillo fought a competitive battle with Armelle Cerdan and ultimately prevailed 6-4, 6-4. 

Saturday's outcomes left Dancetovic and Iwaniuk with a team-best 5-0 mark in the No. 3 doubles slot. Castillo's victory raised her season record to a squad-leading 10-2 in the No. 1 slot. 

The Lady Demons will be on the road Tuesday against Louisiana Tech for a non-conference match at 1 p.m. and Friday for an SLC match against Abilene Christian at 11 a.m. 
 

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Northwestern State 6, Stephen F. Austin 1 

Natchitoches, La. 

Jack Fisher Tennis Complex 

Singles competition 

1. Polina Mutel (NSU) def. Guilarte, Gabi 6-3, 6-4 

2. Polina Ivanova (NSU) def. Payne, Sian 6-2, 6-3 

3. Emilija Dancetovic (NSU) def. Tiboldi, Darinka 6-0, 2-6, 10-4 

4. Ela Iwaniuk (NSU) def. Ljubic, Kaja 6-2, 6-1 

5. Judit Castillo (NSU) def. Cerdan, Armelle 6-4, 6-4 

6. Kamal, Nida (SFA) def. Kateryna Avram 6-0, 6-2 

Doubles competition 

1. Polina Mutel/Polina Ivanova (NSU) def. Tiboldi, Darinka/Kamal, Nida 6-2 

2. Judit Castillo/Kateryna Avram (NSU) vs. Guilarte, Gabi/Ljubic, Kaja 4-5, unfinished 

3. Emilija Dancetovic/Ela Iwaniuk (NSU) def. Cerdan, Armelle/Carvalho, Vera 6-0 

Match Notes: 

Stephen F. Austin 1-13, 1-6 

Northwestern State 11-5, 7-0 

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

T-1:35 A-131