Box Score

NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State fought through the cold temperature and wind to continue its winning streak and handing Tarleton its first loss of the season. 

NSU (4-2) battled through a doubles loss to Tarleton (6-1), but won four singles matches to defeat TSU 4-3 on Saturday at the Jack Fisher Tennis Complex. 

"We wanted it to be as cold as possible and as windy as possible because we knew we know how tough we are and we know that those things don't affect us," head coach Marcos Morelli said. 

No. 2 doubles was the only court the Lady Demons won 6-3. 

Ayu Ishibashi tied the score 1-1 after defeating Clara Sobius 6-1 in straight sets. 

Tarleton responded to go up 2-1 with a win on No. 2, as Elsa Bisson defeated Paige Wise, 6-1, 6-1. 

"We came into the match with the goal of being tough this whole match and the girls did that to perfection," Morelli said. "So we're very happy about that and how the team competed as a whole." 

Maria Farina took No. 3 with a 6-4 first set win. In the second set Farina was down 5-3 before winning four consecutive games to defeat Mattha Makantasi 7-5 and tie the match. 

Tjasa Klevisar gave the Lady Demons a 3-2 edge at the top singles position. Klevisar and Emma Persson played a tie breaker in the first set, where Klevisar took a 7-3 victory. She continued that fight and took the second set 6-1 to push NSU in front. 

NSU clinched the match at the No. 6 singles spot, as freshman Honoka Umeda took home a victory in three sets to win it for the Lady Demons. Umeda cruised in the first set 6-1 before falling to Maretha Burger in the second, 6-2. She went up 5-0 before Burger scored three consecutive games to shorten the lead. Umeda stemmed the tide and won the next game to win the final set 6-3. 

With the match already in favor of NSU, Noelia Lorca won the final match of the contest to make it a 4-3 Lady Demons victory. Garcia took the first set 6-2 then fell 6-2 in the second and third sets. 

"Overall I think we had very good energy today with our fans," said Garcia. "We are so grateful that they are here and support us." 

It is a quick turnaround, as the Lady Demons host LSU-Shreveport on Sunday at 11 a.m. 

Northwestern State 4, Tarleton State 3 

February 17, 2024 

Natchitoches, La. 

Jack Fisher Tennis Courts 

Singles: 

1. Tjasa Klevisar (NSU) def. Emma Persson (TSU) 7-6 (7-3), 6-1 

2. Elsa Bisson (TSU) def. Paige Wise 6-1, 6-1 

3. Maria Farina (NSU) def. Martha Makantasi 6-4, 7-5 

4. Ayu Ishibashi (NSU) def. Clara Sobius 6-1, 6-1 

5. Noelia Lorca (TSU) def. Sofi Garcia 2-6, 6-2, 6-2 

6. Honoka Umeda (NSU) def. Maretha Burger 6-1, 2-6, 6-3 

Order of finish: 4, 2, 3, 1, 6, 5 

Doubles 

1. Martha Makantasi/Maretha Burger (TSU) def. Sofi Garcia/Sara Erenda 6-0 

2. Tjasa Klevisar/Maria Farina (NSU) def. Elsa Boisson/Clara Sobius 6-3 

3. Noelia Lorca/Emma Persson (TSU) def. Ayu Ishibashi/Honoka Umeda 6-3 

Order of finish: 1, 2, 3