Stephen F. Austin
Northwestern State
'Jacks Extend Streak, Knock Off Defending Conference Champs
3/23/2012 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
March 23, 2012
NATCHITOCHES, La. - The Stephen F. Austin women's tennis made it very hard for Northwestern State to be able to repeat as Southland Conference Champions handing the Lady Demons their second loss of the season. SFA recorded a 6-1 victory to improve to 14-2 (.875) on the season, and remain perfect in conference play (5-0).
The 'Jacks also extended their program-best win streak to 12 matches. SFA has not lost since a 5-1 decision at No. 5 Baylor back in January.
"Northwestern State gave us the toughest fight of any team we have played this season," said head coach Patrick Sullivan. "They have good kids who play the game the right way, and a lot of credit goes to Coach Dubois for having them well prepared.
"I'm very proud of our team's heart. Every time NSU pushed we held our ground. We now have to turn around and play our big rival Sam Houston State tomorrow and would love some hometown support at the Schlief Tennis Complex," added Sullivan.
The `Jacks won two of the three doubles matches to take a 1-0 lead into singles play, and then utilized their depth at the bottom of the lineup to increase its advantage. SFA took straight-set victories at Nos. 4-6 singles to build an insurmountable margin.
Freshman Elena Kordolaimi and senior Alina Shazhko rallied after dropping the first set of their matches to pick up three-set wins at Nos. 1 and 3 singles, respectively. The Lady Demons cracked the scoreboard with their lone point at the No. 2 spot.
SFA returns to action Saturday when the host Sam Houston State. Tennis' version of the `Battle of the Piney Woods' is slated to begin at 11 a.m. from the Schlief Tennis Complex.
-SFA-
