SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Northwestern State couldn't edge a comeback in a 5-2 defeat in the Southland Conference opener on Friday at Incarnate Word.
 
Mariella Minetti grabbed the lone singles point for NSU (8-6, 0-1 SLC) in a finished match with a victory in the No. 6 spot.
 
"Congratulations to UIW today," head coach Jonas Brobeck said. "They competed well. It's hard beating team that fight tooth and nail on three doubles and six singles matches. We will learn from this match and grow. I am looking forward to a great battle Sunday with Corpus."
 
Minetti delivered a 6-3, 6-4, victory over Sophia Kermet to give the Lady Demons the only point in a singles match the concluded.
 
NSU's other point came in the No. 2 singles position, as Ayu Ishibashi's game went unfinished due to Estefania Gonzalez retiring in the third set.
 
Ishibashi fell 6-3 in the first before climbing back to a 6-2 second set win. The game was called at 1-1.
 
To start the day, UIW (10-5, 1-0 SLC) quickly took the doubles point with wins on all three courts.
 
The Lady Demons head to Corpus Christi on Sunday for a match against Texas A&M – Corpus Christi.
 
 
Tennis Match Results
Northwestern State v. Incarnate Word
March 24, 2023, San Antonio, Texas
UIW 5, NSU 2
SINGLES:
1.Brandelyn Fulgenzi (UIW) def. Tjasa Klevisar (NSU) 6-4, 6-1
2.Ayu Ishibashi (NSU) def. Estefania Gonzalez (UIW) 3-6, 6-2, 1-1 wr
3.Amelie Montalvo (UIW) def. Paige Wise (NSU) 2-6,6-3,6-2
4.Gargi Pawar (UIW) def. Sofi Garcia (NSU) 6-0, 6-3
5.Lyric Bonilla (UIW) def. Dorota Szczygielska (NSU) 6-3, 7-5
6.Mariella Minetti (NSU) def. Sophia Kermet (UIW) 6-3, 6-4
 
DOUBLES:
1.Brandelyn Fulgenzi,Estefania Gonzalez (UIW) def. Tjasa Klevisar/Ayu Ishibashi (NSU) 6-2
2.Amelie Montalvo/Gargi Pawar (UIW) def. Dorota Szczygielska/Renske Ubachs (NSU) 6-4
3.Lyric Bonilla/Nitika Grish (UIW) def. Paige Wise/Sofi Garcia (NSU) 5-4