NEW ORLEANS  – The Nicholls State University women's tennis team headed to New Orleans on Thursday to take on nationally-ranked NAIA Xavier (La.) and the Colonels came away with a dominating 7-0 victory at the XU Tennis Center.
 
After winning two doubles matches to earn a 1-0 lead, the Colonels breezed through singles play against the Gold Nuggets. All six victories were in straight sets, including a dominating 6-0, 6-0 win by Kateryna Nakonechna over Brandi Nelson on the No. 5 court. Milou Pietersz also earned a shutout in her second set as she defeated Sha'Nel Bruins at No. 3, 6-2, 6-0.
 
For the rest of the singles lineup, Klara Skopac won 7-5, 6-2 over Carmen Nelson at No. 1, Marie Aubert defeated No. 32 Brion Flowers at No. 2 by winning both sets 6-2 and Isla Brock won on the No. 4 court, 6-3, 6-2. Emma Kranendonk also picked up a 6-1, 6-1 win on the No. 6 court.
 
In doubles, Aubert and Skopac teamed up for a 6-2 win at No. 3 and Pietersz/Stephanie Barnett also won 6-2 on the No. 1 court.
 
Nicholls will return to action on Feb. 13 at ULM. First serve is scheduled for 12 p.m.
 
Nicholls 7, #3 Xavier 0
 
Singles
1. Klara Skopac (NICH) def. Carmen Nelson (XU) 7-5, 6-2
2. Marie Aubert (NICH) def. #32 Brion Flowers (XU) 6-2, 6-2
3. Milou Pietersz (NICH) def. Sha'Nel Bruins (XU) 6-2, 6-0
4. Isla Brock (NICH) def. Jana van der Walt (XU) 6-3, 6-2
5. Kateryna Nakonechna (NICH) def. Brandi Nelson (XU) 6-0, 6-0
6. Emma Kranendonk (NICH) def. Dasia Harris (XU) 6-1, 6-1
 
Doubles
1. Milou Pietersz/Stephanie Barnett (NICH) def. #7 Nour Abbes/Carmen Nelson (XU) 6-2
2. Sha'Nel Bruins/Brion Flowers (XU) vs. Kateryna Nakonechna/Isla Brock (NICH) 3-5, unfinished
3. Marie Aubert/Klara Skopac (NICH) def. Brandi Nelson/Jana van der Walt (XU) 6-2
 
Order of finish: Doubles (3,1); Singles (5,6,2,3,4,1)