Final Stats 1 | Final Stats 2 THIBODAUX, La. - The Nicholls State University women's tennis team fell just short in a tight match Tuesday afternoon as the Colonels dropped a 4-3 decision to North Dakota at the Thibodaux Regional Sports Complex. 

Nicholls opened the match strong by claiming the doubles point. The tandem of Blanca Losada and Noemie Piquet edged a 7-6 (8-6) victory at No. 2 doubles, while Julia Bordiginon and Jada Iverson secured a 6-3 win on the third court to give the Colonels an early 1-0 advantage. 

In singles play, the Fighting Hawks rallied to take four of six courts. Noemie Piquet produced a strong performance at No. 3 singles with a straight-set 6-3, 6-0 victory over Andrea Pineda, and Julia Bordiginon earned a point for Nicholls after Alyssa Giupponi retired in the third set of their match at the No. 5 spot. 

North Dakota ultimately clinched the match with wins on courts one, two, four and six. The No. 1 singles contest went the distance, with Paulina Villegas forcing a third set before falling 7-5, 5-7, 6-3 in a tightly contested battle.

For the men, the Colonels dropped a 4-0 decision to the Fighting Hawks. 

North Dakota seized early momentum by capturing the doubles point. The duo of Marcell Marki and Colin Tavares opened with a 6-3 setback on the top court, while Mitchell Armbruster and Arthur Oliani followed with a 6-4 setback at No. 3 doubles, giving the Fighting Hawks a 1-0 lead. 

In singles play, North Dakota extended its advantage with straight-set wins on three courts. Oliani posted the closest match with a 6-3, 6-4 loss to Justin Ilic at No. 3.