RUSTON – Louisiana Tech extended its winning streak to seven as the Bulldogs defeated rival ULM, 6-1, on a chilly Tuesday afternoon at the LA Tech Tennis Complex.
 
LA Tech (8-2) needed just a little over two hours to beat ULM (2-2) for the fourth consecutive time.  The Bulldogs claimed the doubles point while also winning five of the six singles courts in straight sets to also remain unbeaten at home this season.
 
The freshman duo of Alice Brook and Maria Tsironi got the winning started for the 'Dogs, earning a 6-2 victory on court two.  The transfer duo of Nina Skoric and Mio Kozaki gave the opening point to LA Tech, winning 6-1 on court three.  
 
Switching to singles, Kozaki made quick work versus Raquel Alvaro to give the Bulldogs a 2-0 advantage.  The lefty won all 12 games to take the victory 6-0, 6-0 at the No. 5 position.
 
Her doubles partner Skoric provided the third point, defeating Vanja Cado by a score of 6-2, 6-2 at the No. 4 position.  Then for a second straight match, Ana Rodrigues provided the clincher.  The senior bested Mariam Hatem 6-1, 6-2 at the top spot.
 
Insurance points came from Brook and Zoie Epps.  Brook out dueled Mariia Iordanova 6-4, 6-3 at No. 6 while Epps picked up her team-leading ninth victory with a 6-1, 6-4 win against Tingyi Li at No. 2.
 
The Warhawks lone point of the match came in a straight sets win on court three.

QUOTABLES
Head coach Amy Sargeant

"I am pleased with how our team competed today.  With a slight schedule change, we have had time to work on our doubles, being more aggressive and taking care of finishing the point on our terms.  Mio and Nina got back to playing to their strengths which earned them the clinching doubles point in 'Minio' fashion."

"We dominated singles, showing resilience and confidence on tough points, and found a way to close out games playing aggressive tennis.  Ana continues to impress me with her effortless tennis and mature mentality on the court.  She has stepped up as a leader, and I am excited to see the legacy she is destined to leave here at Tech."
 
NOTABLES

• LA Tech improved to 8-2 on the season, tied for the second-best start in program history (through 10 matches).
• The Bulldogs have now won the last four meetings versus the Warhawks.
• LA Tech extended its winning streak to seven matches, tied for the seventh longest streak in program history.
• The Bulldogs have won six straight home matches dating back to last season.
• Alice Brook won her sixth straight dual singles match.
• Zoie Epps improved to 9-1 in dual singles matches.  She is now 21-3 in singles this season (fall and spring combined).
• Zoie Epps collected her 20th career dual singles win.
• Alice Brook/Maria Tsironi won their third straight dual doubles match, improving to 7-3.
• Mio Kozaki won her second singles match this spring without dropping a single game.

UP NEXT
LA Tech returns to action Saturday, Feb. 22 when the Bulldogs host a doubleheader against Northwestern State and Grambling State.  First serve is set for 11 a.m. CT.
 
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