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LA Tech vs. Nicholls State box

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THIBODAUX, La. ÃÆ'¢Ã¢'¬" With the match even at three-all, it all came down to court No. 2 in singles with Nicholls State edging out Louisiana Tech in the third set to take the 4-3 victory on Saturday afternoon at the Colonel Tennis Complex.

LA Tech (0-1) picked up the doubles point to grab a 1-0 advantage, but Nicholls (1-1) was able to fight back with four singles wins which was capped by Milou Pietersz outlasting true freshman Zoe Chen, 7-6, 1-6, 7-5 to clinch it for the home team.

"It was a cold and windy match," head coach Chad Camper said. "Nicholls State played aggressive. They are a great program and are destined for good things this season. We need to come out stronger in singles. I am proud of our newcomers like Alba who had a great win and Zoe who did the best she could. We look forward to improving this season."

Chen partnered with Alexandra Starkova to win, 6-3, at No. 1. The tandem of Taly Merker and Manoela Chiacchio then picked up a 7-5 victory at No. 3 to get the Lady Techsters off to a solid start in their season opener.

The Colonels rebounded with wins at court No. 6 and No. 4 to take a 2-1 advantage, but Jazmin Britos downed Clemence Kurg, 6-1, 6-4, at No. 3 to even the match up.

Nicholls retook the lead again after Stephanie Barnett bested Starkova, 6-4, 7-6 at No. 1, but Alba Escalona Perny grabbed a 6-3, 6-4 win at No. 5 to tie it at three apiece before the lone three-set match went the way of the Colonels.

LA Tech returns to action on Saturday, Jan. 30 to take on Prairie View A&M and Sam Houston State in a doubleheader in Huntsville, Texas. First serve is set for 9:30 a.m.

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