NEW ORLEANS – The Nicholls State University women's tennis team started out Southland Conference play on a high note as the Colonels defeated rival New Orleans, 5-2, on Friday evening at the University Tennis Center.
 
"The girls were tested by a resilient UNO team that played with only five girls but responded well and stepped it up when they needed to.  We need to step it even more in practice so we can make a stronger statement," said Meenakshi Sundaram, Nicholls tennis head coach.
 
Playing against a short-handed Privateer squad, the Colonels (5-2, 1-0 SLC) started the match with a 1-0 lead as New Orleans (6-5, 0-2 SLC) was unable to play the No. 6 match. In doubles, Nicholls needed to win just one match to earn the point with UNO forfeiting the No. 3 match. Kateryna Nakonechna and Isla Brock gave Nicholls a 2-0 lead after winning the No. 2 match over Anja Luethi/ Anna Segarra Ruis, 8-5.
 
In singles, Stephanie Barnett won the first set 7-5 in the No. 1 match against Soledad Calderon, dropped the second, 6-3, and dominated the third set, 6-1, for the victory. Marie Aubert also had to go three sets to earn a point at No. 3, defeating Luethi 3-6, 6-1, 6-3. Isla Brock rounded out the winners with a 6-4, 6-0 win over Hafsa Laraibi.
 
The Colonels will return to action on Wednesday, March 11 at LSU. First serve is scheduled for 4 p.m.
 
Nicholls 5, New Orleans 2
 
Singles
1. Stephanie Barnett (NICH) def. Soledad Calderon (UNO) 7-5, 3-6, 6-1
2. Marta Sans (UNO) def. Klara Skopac (NICH) 6-4, 6-3
3. Marie Aubert (NICH) def. Anja Luethi (UNO) 3-6, 6-1, 6-3
4. Anna Segarra Rius (UNO) def. Milou Pietersz (NICH) 6-2, 6-1
5. Isla Brock (NICH) def. Hafsa Laraibi (UNO) 6-4, 6-0
6. Kateryna Nakonechna (NICH) def. No player (UNO), by forfeit
 
Doubles
1. Soledad Calderon/Marta Sans (UNO) vs. Stephanie Barnett/Klara Skopac (NICH) 6-6, unfinished
2. Kateryna Nakonechna/Isla Brock (NICH) def. Anja Luethi/Anna Segarra Rius (UNO) 8-5
3. Milou Pietersz/Marie Aubert (NICH) def. No player/No player (UNO), by forfeit
 
Match Notes:
Nicholls 5-2, 1-0
New Orleans 6-5, 0-2