LAKE CHARLES—Persistent doubles play followed by a tiebreaking third-set comeback from sophomore Judit Castillo clinched a third consecutive Southland Conference victory Friday for the league-leading Northwestern State Lady Demon tennis team, 4-3 over McNeese at Nancy Hank Tennis Center.

NSU (7-5 overall, 3-0 in the Southland) overcame McNeese (6-2, 2-1) when Castillo used a 1-6 first-set loss as determination to dominate the second and third sets, 6-2 and 6-3 against Charoline Erlandsson in the No. 5 singles position.

"Judit played very well under pressure today," said head coach Patric DuBois. "After starting slowly, she picked things up and dictated play in the second and third sets. We talked after the first set, and she decided win or lose, she would play the style that suits her best."

Castillo's comeback highlighted singles play. The Lady Demons also captured the doubles point with tenacious pursuit after facing early deficits.

The Cowgirls posted the first doubles decision at No. 2, but not a blink later, the Lady Demons evened things.

Emilija Dancetovic and Ela Iwaniuk in the No. 3 position prevailed 6-2 to give NSU a chance at the doubles point.

Falling behind 4-0 in the No. 1 contest, Polina Mutel and Polina Ivanova powered through to clinch the opening point with a 7-6 set triumph and a 7-5 tiebreaker score.

"We fought very hard at each position and hung around long enough to pull it out. I am very pleased with our effort and our ability to find a way to win as a team," said DuBois.

Following doubles play, Ela Iwaniuk made it 2-0 NSU, taking the No. 4 singles match 6-2, 6-0 against Serbian National title holder Marija Mastilovic.

Phonexay Chitdara slated McNeese's first point, 6-2, 6-2 over Kateryna Avram in the No. 6 position. The Cowgirls tied the match 2-2 when Sarah Jurakova overcame Polina Ivanova 6-2, 6-2 at No. 2.

Polina Mutel pushed the Lady Demons up 3-2 when she prevailed at No. 1 in a neck-and-neck competition against Giovanni Fioretti, claiming a 6-4, 6-3 battle. Castillo's comeback win salted away the overall match outcome, keeping NSU unbeaten in the Southland and giving the Lady Demons their sixth win in the last seven matches.

Friday's action concluded with Emilija Dancetovic falling in a hard-fought three-setter at No. 3, 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-3 to McNeese's Hannah Brett.

"This was a great battle today of 12 fighters. It was such a close match, and it was played at a high level by all," said DuBois. "I have a lot of respect for this McNeese team who is very well-coached. They battled hard. It was a shame someone had to lose today."

The Lady Demons head back on the road for an 11 a.m. match Sunday at Nicholls. They are home next weekend, starting with a March 17 contest against Southeastern Louisiana.
 

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Northwestern State 4 McNeese 3
Nancy Hank Tennis Center
Lake Charles, La
 
Singles competition
1. Polina Mutel (NSU) def. Giovanna Fioretti 6-4, 6-3
2. Sarah Jurakova (MCN) def. Polina Ivanova 6-2, 6-2
3. Hannah Brett (MCN) def. Emilija Dancetovic 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-3
4. Ela Iwaniuk (NSU) def. Marija Mastilovic 6-2, 6-2
5. Judit Castillo (NSU) def. Charoline Erlandsson 1-6, 6-2, 6-3
6. Phonexay Chitdara (MCN) def. Kateryna Avram 6-2, 6-2
 
Doubles competition
1. Polina Mutel/Polina Ivanova (NSU) def. Hannah Brett/Sarah Jurakova 7-6 (5)
2. Giovanna Fioretti/Marija Mastilovic (MCN) def. Judit Castillo/Kateryna Avram 6-3
3. Emilija Dancetovic/Ela Iwaniuk (NSU) def. Charoline Erlandsson/Phonexay Chitdara 6-2
 
Match Notes:
Northwestern State 7-5 (3-0)
McNeese State 6-2 (2-1)
 
Order of finish: Doubles (2,3,1); Singles (4,6,2,1,5,3)
T-3:30