HUMBLE, Texas – Despite losing the doubles point, the Nicholls State University women's team claimed their second straight conference victory as the Colonels dominated singles play against Sam Houston State in a make-up contest to win 5-2 on Tuesday.
 
The Colonels (13-7, 6-4) won five matches in singles with three coming in straight sets. Highlighting Nicholls' dominating play was Klara Skopac who shutout her opponent, Kayla Stevenson, on the No. 4 court. Stephanie Barnett, who was ranked No. 110 in the ITA rankings released today, defeated Imke Jagau at No. 2 and Isla Brock took down Karen Martinez on the No. 5 court.
 
On the No. 1 court, Marie Aubert rebounded for a 6-3 loss in the first set to win 6-2, 6-1 over Olivia Battye. At No. 6, Emma Kranendonk also dropped her first set before claiming a 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 win over Isabella Costa.
 
Sam Houston (4-11, 2-8) added a point with a win on the No. 3 court by Natalie Petaia, who defeated Kateryna Nakonechna 6-4, 6-4.
 
In doubles play, Skopac and Barnett came away with an 8-3 win at No. 1, but the Bearkats took the No. 2 and 3 courts with 8-5 and 8-6 wins, respectively.
 
The Colonels will head into their final weekend of the regular season looking to clinch their first postseason bid since 1999. Nicholls will play at New Orleans on Friday before wrapping up the season on Saturday at Southeastern La.
 
Nicholls 5, Sam Houston State 2
Singles competition
1. Marie Aubert (NICH) def. Olivia Battye (SHSU) 3-6, 6-2, 6-1
2. #110 Stephanie Barnett (NICH) def. Imke Jagau (SHSU) 6-4, 7-5
3. Natalie Petaia (SHSU) def. Kateryna Nakonechna (NICH) 6-4, 6-4
4. Klara Skopac (NICH) def. Kayla Stevenson (SHSU) 6-0, 6-0
5. Isla Brock (NICH) def. Karen Martinez (SHSU) 6-4, 6-1
6. Emma Kranendonk (NICH) def. Isabella Costa (SHSU) 3-6, 6-3, 6-3
 
Doubles competition
1. Klara Skopac/Stephanie Barnett (NICH) def. Imke Jagau/Kayla Stevenson (SHSU) 8-3
2. Olivia Battye/Karen Martinez (SHSU) def. Emma Kranendonk/Isla Brock (NICH) 8-5
3. Natalie Petaia/Isabella Costa (SHSU) def. Marie Aubert/Kateryna Nakonechna (NICH) 8-6
 
Match Notes:
Nicholls 13-7, 6-4
Sam Houston State 4-11, 2-8