NEW ORLEANS – The Nicholls women's tennis team continued its brutal non-conference slate as the Colonels faced a ranked opponent for the third time in four matches, and No. 20 Auburn came out on top with a 4-1 victory on Saturday at the City Park Center.

Despite the Colonels' record falling to 2-2 on the year, Stephanie Barnett highlighted the day for Nicholls with a straight set win at No. 1 over the 21st-ranked player in the ITA, Plean Burgmans. Barnett shutout Burgmans in the first set before finishing her off with a 6-4 victory in the second to remain perfect on the year in singles at 4-0.

"What a wonderful team effort from the ladies today," said Nicholls tennis head coach Meenakshi Sundaram. "This team is really coming together and each individual understands what is expected from her. We still have a long way to go, but we will get there for sure in a short time with this kind of application from them."

In the other three singles matches, only Marie Aubert was able to record more than two points in a set, losing 6-1, 6-4 on the No. 3 court against Paula de Man.

In doubles, Auburn grabbed a 1-0 lead by taking the No. 1 and 3 courts. Emma Kranendonk and Isla Brock were blanked in their match, while Aubert and Nakonechna were defeated 8-2.

"It was just an awesome performance from everyone despite us as a team coming up a little short," Sundaram said. "It was a special day for Stephanie as she took out the number 21 ranked player in the country."

The Colonels will return to action on Saturday, Feb. 22 as they host Troy University. First serve is scheduled for 10 a.m.

#20 Auburn 4, Nicholls 1
Singles competition
1. Stephanie Barnett (NICH) def. #21 Pleun Burgmans (AUB) 6-0, 6-4
2. Emily Flickinger (AUB) vs. Kateryna Nakonechna (NICH) unfinished
3. Paula de Man (AUB) def. Marie Aubert (NICH) 6-1, 6-4
4. Michala Kucharova (AUB) def. Klara Skopac (NICH) 6-2, 6-0
5. Jen Pfeifler (AUB) def. Emma Kranendonk (NICH) 6-1, 6-0
6. Ashley Kitchen (AUB) vs. Isla Brock (NICH) unfinished

Doubles competition
1. #15 Pleun Burgmans/Emily Flickinger (AUB) def. Emma Kranendonk/Isla Brock (NICH) 8-0
2. Reka Muller/Michala Kucharova (AUB) vs. Stephanie Barnett/Klara Skopac (NICH) 2-6, unfinished
3. Jackie Kasler/Jen Pfeifler (AUB) def. Marie Aubert/Kateryna Nakonechna (NICH) 8-2

Match Notes:
Nicholls 2-2
Auburn 8-1; National ranking #20