THIBODAUX, La. - The Nicholls State University women's tennis team began Southland Conference play with a 7-0 loss to Sam Houston State Friday afternoon at the Colonel Tennis Complex.

The Bearkats (6-4, 1-0 SLC) cruised in the victory, winning both doubles matches via shutout before earning six straight-set points in singles.

Lingfeng Gu and Morgan Forshag had strong showings in their opening sets in singles as each claimed three points. On Court 6, Mikaela Konstantinova posted the closest decision with a 6-4 defeat in the second set.

Nicholls (1-7, 0-1 SLC) will play at home again on Sunday, taking on Stephen F. Austin. First serve at the Colonel Tennis Complex is scheduled for 11 a.m.