Lady Demons end Islanders’ 28-game conference streak, win 4-3

NATCHITOCHES, La. (WNTZ) – The Northwestern State Lady Demons pulled off one of the biggest wins in recent program history, edging Texas A&M-Corpus Christi 4-3 on Monday at the Jack Fisher Lady Demon Complex.

The victory not only extended NSU’s unbeaten record in Southland Conference play, but it also snapped the Islanders’ 28-match conference winning streak, a dominance that spanned multiple seasons.

The Lady Demons (4-5, 4-0 Southland) overcame an early deficit after dropping the doubles point, rallying to take four of the six singles matches and secure the upset over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (12-2, 2-1 Southland).

“We always talk about processing doubles and staying consistent in singles,” head coach Luciano Morelli said. “After losing doubles, we regrouped, and that is why we stay consistent in singles – if we lose doubles, we still have a chance in singles.”

Tjasa Klevisar set the tone for the comeback with a dominant 6-1, 6-1 victory over Yana Mykytyn at No. 3 singles. Zoi Spyrou followed at No. 1, defeating Ana Veroux 6-2, 7-5 to give NSU its first lead of the match.

Sofi Garcia kept the momentum rolling, controlling her match at No. 6 with a 6-0, 6-3 win over Juliette Jalai, putting the Lady Demons on the brink of victory.

The Islanders responded when Josefa Fuenzalida outlasted Ayu Ishibashi, who retired in the third set at No. 5 singles, cutting NSU’s lead to 3-2.

Honoka Umeda then delivered the decisive blow at No. 2 singles, rebounding from a second-set loss to defeat Leticia Tarocco 6-1, 2-6, 6-1, clinching the match for NSU.

To round out the competition, Kseniya Ramanouskaya battled past Maria Farina in a hard-fought three-setter, winning 6-1, 6-7 (7-9), 10-7 at No. 4 singles.

The Islanders started the afternoon by securing the doubles point. Ramanouskaya and Mykytyn defeated Pika Doberlet and Klevisar 6-2 at No. 1 doubles, while Fuenzalida and Tarocco topped Farina and Garcia 6-1 at No. 2. The No. 3 doubles match between Spyrou/Umeda and Veroux/Jalai was left unfinished at 3-3 after AMCC clinched the point.

With the win, the Lady Demons improved to 4-0 in conference play, positioning themselves as strong contenders for the Southland title. NSU will look to build on this momentum when they step out of conference play to host Rhode Island on Wednesday at 11 a.m. The match will mark the return of former Lady Demons head coach Jonas Brobeck to the Jack Fisher Tennis Complex.

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Northwestern State 4, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi 3
Women’s Tennis at Natchitoches, Louisiana – Jack Fisher Lady Demon Complex

Singles

1. Zoi Spyrou (NSU) def. Ana Veroux (AMCC) 6-2, 7-5
2. Honoka Umeda (NSU) def. Leticia Tarocco (AMCC) 6-1, 2-6, 6-1
3. Tjasa Klevisar (NSU) def. Yana Mykytyn (AMCC) 6-1, 6-1
4. Kseniya Ramanouskaya (AMCC) def. Maria Farina (NSU) 6-1, 6-7 (7-9), 10-7
5. Josefa Fuenzalida (AMCC) def. Ayu Ishibashi (NSU) 4-6, 6-4, 5-2, retired
6. Sofi Garcia (NSU) def. Juliette Jalai (AMCC) 6-0, 6-3

Doubles

1. Kseniya Ramanouskaya/Yana Mykytyn (AMCC) def. Pika Doberlet/Tjasa Klevisar (NSU) 6-2
2. Josefa Fuenzalida/Leticia Tarocco (AMCC) def. Maria Farina/Sofi Garcia (NSU) 6-1
3. Zoi Spyrou/Honoka Umeda (NSU) vs. Ana Veroux/Juliette Jalai (AMCC) 3-3, unfinished

Match Notes
Northwestern State 4-5, 4-0 Southland
Texas A&M-Corpus Christi 12-2, 2-1 Southland
Order of finish: Doubles: 1, 2, uf; Singles: 3, 1, 6, 5, 2, 4