GULF SHORES, Ala. – Coming off two tough losses, the Nicholls State University women's tennis team got back on track as the Colonels defeated Texas State, 4-1, on Saturday in Gulf Shores.
 
Nicholls (2-3) was bested in doubles against Texas State (0-3), but dominated singles play by winning four straight matches to claim the team victory. All four wins were in straight sets and Stephanie Barnett and Julia Melendez each won their first sets without surrendering a point.
 
"The girls came out flat in doubles and paid the price against a very good Texas State team . They have always played good doubles and they showed us that today ," said Meenakshi Sundaram, Nicholls tennis head coach. "The doubles loss got our juices going a bit as we came out fired up in singles and got the job done. Things we have been working on showed today in terms of strategy and mental adjustments. We are constantly working towards having no kinks in our armor and today we did some good work. We have a tough one tomorrow against South Alabama and we will be ready."
 
Barnett took care of Yadira Rubio on the No. 1 court, while Melendez defeated Pippa Carr on Court 3. Clemence Krug and Melendez switched spots in the lineup, resulting in Krug's first career win as a Colonel as she defeated Katy Collins at No. 3, 6-3, 6-2. Rounding out the winners for the Colonels was Isla Brock with a 6-4, 6-2 win over Ana Perez.
 
Nicholls returns to action on Sunday, Feb. 6, at South Alabama. First serve is slated for 11 a.m.
 
Nicholls 4, Texas State 1
 
Singles competition
1. Stephanie Barnett (NICH) def. Yadira Rubio (TXST) 6-0, 6-2
2. Eva Dench (TXST) vs. Milou Pietersz (NICH) unfinished
3. Julia Melendez (NICH) def. Pippa Carr (TXST) 6-0, 6-3
4. Clemence Krug (NICH) def. Katy Collins (TXST) 6-3, 6-2
5. Isla Brock (NICH) def. Ana Perez (TXST) 6-4, 6-2
6. Ammaarah Tim (TXST) vs. Laia Charles (NICH) unfinished
 
Doubles competition
1. Yadira Rubio/Ana Perez (TXST) def. Stephanie Barnett/Ambika Pande (NICH) 7-5
2. Katy Collins/Eva Dench (TXST) def. Clemence Krug/Isla Brock (NICH) 6-3
3. Pippa Carr/Joy Chia Ming Ming (TXST) vs. Milou Pietersz/Julia Melendez (NICH) unfinished
 
Match Notes:
Nicholls 2-3
Texas State 0-3