Box Score

NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State used four singles victories to top Southern Miss 4-1 for its second straight win, capping a perfect weekend, on Sunday afternoon at the Jack Fisher Tennis Complex. 

NSU (2-2) collected singles wins from the final four spots in the rotation, including three via straight sets, to earn head coach Marcos Morelli his first triumph against a Division I opponent. 

"I like that the team is seeing the results of what we have been practicing in the week," head coach Marcos Morelli said. 

While it ended well for the Lady Demons, it didn't start that way. After an almost two-hour delay, USM (1-2) took the doubles point with wins on Nos. 1 and 3. 

Tjasa Klevisar and Maria Farina went up 5-0 on No. 2, before dropping three straight games. They came back and won the last game, 6-3. 

NSU quickly rebounded in singles, though, to take control. 

Ayu Ishibashi gave Northwestern State their first point of the match, quickly dispatching Suhana Das, 6-1, 6-0 on No. 4. 

Farina topped Hannah Chambers on No. 3 in straight sets to give NSU the lead, 7-5, 6-1. 

"I like that the fans that came out to support help me with my confidence," Farina said. "Having the home crowd helped me push through the tough plays."

Sofi Garcia, sophomore from Argentina, had a close first set, 6-4, but quickly took the second set, 6-1, to put the Lady Demons on the brink of victory. 

NSU had to battle to finish off the victory, though. 

With the Eagles trying to mount a comeback, taking another match to a third set and in a close second set, aiming to force a third, Erenda ended any hopes of a USM comeback. 

Erenda clinched the match for the Lady Demons with a third set win. She finished fast with a 6-1 win in the first before falling 6-3 to Malannia Vashevich in the second set. 

In the third set Erenda fell behind 4-3, but had a great couple of rallies to top her opponent 6-4. 

After the match was clinched, Klevisar and Wise both went unfinished. 

The Lady Demons will be back on the court on Friday at 11 a.m. when it hosts Sam Houston. 

Northwestern State 4, Southern Miss 1 

February 3, 2024 

12:30 p.m. 

Jack Fisher Tennis Complex 

Singles: 

1. Tjasa Klevisar (NSU) v. Alyssa Richter (USM) 6-2, 4-6, UF 

2. Paige Wise (NSU) v. Zenn Lim 6-2, UF 

3. Maria Farina (NSU) def. Hannah Chambers 7-5, 6-1 

4. Ayu Ishibashi (NSU) def. Suhana Das 6-1, 6-0 

5. Sofi Garcia (NSU) def. Angelia Blinova 6-4, 6-2 

6. Sara Erenda (NSU) def. Malannia Vashkevich 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 

Order of finish: 4, 3, 5, 6 

Doubles: 

1. Alyssa Richter/Hannah Chambers (USM) def. Sara Erenda/Sofi Garcia 6-3 

2. Tjasa Klevisar/Maria Farina (NSU) def. Suhana Das/Zenn Lim 6-3 

3. Angelia Blinova/Malannia Vashkevich (USM) def. Paige Wise/Ayu Ishibashi (NSU) 6-4 

Order of finish: 1, 2, 3