NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State tennis remains unbeaten in Southland Conference action after securing a hard-fought 4-3 comeback victory over McNeese on Saturday afternoon at the Jack Fisher Tennis Complex. 

The Lady Demons (8-6, 7-0) fought hard for this match, not only battling the Cowgirls but battling the heat. 

"Both teams competed at a high level today," said head coach Marcos Morelli. "I'm really proud of our girls for staying composed, fighting through the tough moments, and finding a way to come out on top." 

With the match hanging in the balance, the Lady Demons need to win on courts No. 4 and 5 in order to keep their perfect conference record alive. 

Both matches were decided in a decisive third set, and Maria Farina and Ayu Ishibashi came through in a big way for Northwestern State. 

With the Lady Demons 3-2, Farina battled through a three-set thriller against the reigning Southland Player of the Week Alexa Martinez. After winning the first set 6-3, Farina dropped the second 6-4, then delivered in the clutch with another 6-4 victory in the deciding set to tie the overall match at 3-3. 

In the match, she was down 2-1 in the crucial final set before rattling off three games in a row to take control and tie the match. 

It all came down Ishibashi, who battled not only McNeese's Morales but also the heat. She overcame adversity and won the match for the Demons in three sets: 7-5, 0-6, 7-5. 

Ishibashi rebounded after Morales scored the final two games to draw even at 5-5, as the senior secured the win for not only herself, but the Lady Demons as well, as she scored the final two games 

NSU started the day strong by capturing the doubles point with wins at the No. 1 and No. 3 positions, which ultimately proved to be the difference. 

The duo of Maria Farina and Tjasa Klevisar kickstarted the Demons' day with a win over Fluri and Rundova in the No. 1 position 6-4. 

Sofi Garcia and Ayu Ishibashi sealed the point in the No. 3 slot with another 6-4 decision against Hollweg and Morales.  

The No. 2 match, featuring Zoi Spyrou and Honoka Umeda, was left unfinished, with NSU leading 4-3. 

Despite losing the doubles point, the Cowgirls (18-5, 5-3) did not go away quietly, quickly picking up two wins to gain a 2-1 edge over the Lady Demons after Fluri won in straight sets over Spyrou 6-1, 6-2 in the No. 1 slot and Hollweg defeating Umeda in straight sets 6-2, 6-3. 

Klevisar quickly answered for the home team, stopping the Cowgirls' momentum, beating Hagi in two sets, 6-3, 6-3, to tie the match back at 3. 

Rundova and Garcia battled it out in straight sets, with Rundova coming up on top 6-3, 6-4, to give McNeese to 3-2 lead, setting the stage for the heroics from Farina and Ishibashi. 

"Our leadership really showed today, starting with our upperclassmen," said head coach Marcos Morelli. "Tjasa and Ayu played with so much heart and set the tone for the team. Their energy and composure gave us the edge we needed in a tough match like this." 

Northwestern State remains at home as it welcomes Southeastern on Senior Day on Monday at 11 a.m., it aims to secure at least a share of the SLC regular season crown. 

The Lady Demons celebrate the careers of Klevisar and Ishibashi, who have been with the program for all four years. 

Following the home finale, Northwestern State caps off the regular season with a rescheduled battle at Stephen F. Austin on April 19. 

RESULTS 

Northwestern State 4, McNeese 3 

Women's Tennis at Natchitoches, Louisiana - Jack Fisher Tennis Complex 

Singles 

Salome Fluri (MCN) def. Zoi Spyrou (NSU) 6-1, 6-2 

Tjasa Klevisar (NSU) def. Erica Hagi (MCN) 6-3, 6-3 

Ana Hollweg (MCN) def. Honoka Umeda (NSU) 6-2, 6-3 

Maria Farina (NSU) def. Alexa Martinez (MCN) 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 

Ayu Ishibashi (NSU) vs. Elena Morales (MCN) 7-5, 0-6, 7-5 

Stella Rundova (MCN) def. Sofi Garcia (NSU) 3-6, 4-6 

Doubles 

Maria Farina/Tjasa Klevisar (NSU) def. Salome Fluri/Stella Rundova (MCN) 6-4 

Zoi Spyrou/Honoka Umeda (NSU) vs. Erica Hagi/Alexa Martinez 4-3 uf  

Sofi Garcia/Ayu Ishibashi (NSU) def. Ana Hollweg/Elena Morales (MCN) 6-4 

Match Notes 

Northwestern State (8-6, 7-0) 

McNeese (18-5, 5-3) 

Orders of finish: Doubles (1, 3, uf) Singles (1, 3, 2, 6, 4, 5)