NEW ORLEANS – The Northwestern State women's tennis team secured its first victory of the season with a hard-fought 4-3 win over New Orleans in its Southland Conference opener on Saturday at the Privateer Tennis Center.

Despite dropping three singles matches, the Lady Demons (1-5, 1-0) capitalized on a strong doubles performance and key singles victories to clinch the win.

"We are excited for our first win," says second-year head coach Marcos Morelli. "We are ready for our next match to keep this momentum going."

The doubles point set the tone for Northwestern State, as the pair of Pika Doberlet and Tjasa Klevisar earned a 6-4 victory over Ana Kouchnareva and Iris Danne at No. 1 doubles.

Zoi Spyrou and Sofi Garcia sealed the doubles point for the Lady Demons with a 6-3 win over Nouray Khaled and Ananya Dhankhar at No. 3 doubles.

In singles, Northwestern State's depth proved crucial.

Ayu Ishibashi dominated her opponent at No. 5 singles, cruising past Danne 6-2, 6-0.

Sofi Garcia was equally impressive, blanking Ananya Dhankhar 6-0, 6-0 at the No. 6 spot.

Maria Farina delivered the deciding point for the Lady Demons in a gritty battle at No. 4 singles, rallying past Nouray Khaled 4-6, 6-4, 6-4.

New Orleans (3-2, 0-1) fought valiantly, led by Ana Kouchnareva at No. 1 singles, where she defeated Honoka Umeda 3-6, 6-2, 6-2.

Kate Kalistratova also secured a tight win for the Privateers at No. 2 singles, outlasting Spyrou 6-1, 5-7, 7-6 (7-5).

Fleur Sprengers completed the UNO singles victories with a comeback win over Tjasa Klevisar, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 at the No. 3 position.

"We were more consistent in singles today," says Morelli.

The Lady Demons aim to carry this momentum into Thibodaux, where they will take on Nicholls on Monday at 10 a.m.

Northwestern State 4, New Orleans 3
Women's Tennis at New Orleans, Louisiana - Privateers Tennis Center
Singles
1. Ana Kouchnareva (UNO) def. Honoka Umeda (NSU) 3-6, 6-2, 6-2
2. Kate Kalistratova (UNO) def. Zoi Spyrou (NSU) 6-1, 5-7, 7-6 (7-5)
3. Fleur Sprengers (UNO) def. Tjasa Klevisar (NSU) 4-6, 6-4, 6-3
4. Maria Farina (NSU) def. Nouray Khaled (UNO) 4-6, 6-4, 6-4
5. Ayu Ishibashi (NSU) def. Iris Danne (UNO) 6-2, 6-0
6. Sofi Garcia (NSU) def. Ananya Dhankhar (UNO) 6-0, 6-0

Doubles
1. Pika Doberlet/Tjasa Klevisar (NSU) def. Ana Kouchnareva/Iris Danne (UNO) 6-4
2. Kate Kalistratova/Fleur Sprengers (UNO) def. Honoka Umeda/Ayu Ishibashi (NSU) 6-1
3. Sofi Garcia/Zoi Spyrou (NSU) def. Nouray Khaled/Ananya Dhankhar (UNO) 6-3

Match Notes
Northwestern State 1-5, 1-0
New Orleans 3-2, 0-1