MOBILE, Ala.  – The Nicholls State University women's tennis team picked up two victories in the top of the singles lineup, but it would be all the points that South Alabama would surrender as the Colonels fell 5-2 Thursday afternoon at the Bruce David Lubel Memorial Tennis Courts.

The loss halted Nicholls' winning streak at four matches, dropping the Colonels to 9-4 on the year while South Alabama improves to 7-4.

The Colonels fell behind in double play as Marie Aubert/Isla Brock lost the No. 2 match 8-2, but the duo of Natalia Cardiff/Catherine Gauthier evened it up with a close 8-6 victory at the No. 3 position. But USA would defend its home court in doubles action, taking the point after Rachel Howie/Eva Castiglioni came up short in the top flight 9-7.

In singles play, Howie was blanked at No. 3 against Emily Newton before Cardiff, the reigning Southland Player of the Week, won in straight sets at No. 2 against Mchaela Meszarosova 6-4, 6-1.  Brock lost her match at No. 4 6-4, 6-2 as USA took a 3-1 lead.

Aubert continued her strong singles play this season, earning a straight set victory in the No. 1 match versus Mariya Krachok, winning both sets 6-4. However, the bottom of the Colonel lineup, which has been strength over the last few matches, came up empty as Castiglioni and Emma Pitre were both toppled in straight sets.

Nicholls returns to action on Friday at ULM. First serve is scheduled for noon.

South Alabama 5, Nicholls 2
Singles competition
1. Marie Aubert (NICH) def. Krachok, Mariya (USA) 6-4, 6-4
2. Natalia Cardiff (NICH) def. Meszarosova, Mchaela (USA) 6-4, 6-1
3. Newton, Emily (USA) def. Rachel Howie (NICH) 6-0, 6-0
4. Ghermani, Ramona (USA) def. Isla Brock (NICH) 6-4, 6-2
5. Martin, Mary Angela (USA) def. Eva Castiglioni (NICH) 6-3, 6-1
6. Papke, Cinta Maria (USA) def. Emma Pitre (NICH) 6-1, 7-5

Doubles competition
1. Newton, Emily/Meszarosova, Mchaela (USA) def. Rachel Howie/Eva Castiglioni (NICH) 9-7
2. Krachok, Mariya/Ghermani, Ramona (USA) def. Marie Aubert/Isla Brock (NICH) 8-2
3. Natalia Cardiff/Catherine Gauthier (NICH) def. Papke, Cinta Maria/Martin, Mary Angela (USA) 8-6

Match Notes:
Nicholls 9-4
South Alabama 7-4
Order of finish: Doubles (2,3,1); Singles (3,2,4,1,5,6)

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