RUSTON – Louisiana Tech needed just two hours on a chilly Saturday afternoon to defeat in-state rival Northwestern State, winning by a final score of 4-0 at the LA Tech Tennis Complex.
 
LA Tech (9-2) collected the doubles point and then added three singles victories in straight sets against NSU (0-5) to claim the shutout and extend its winning streak to eight matches.
 
Ana Rodrigues and Zoie Epps were responsible for three of the Bulldogs four points.  First off, the duo made quick work on court one in doubles, winning 6-2.  Teammates Maria Tsironi and Alice Brook teamed up to also help deliver the doubles point with a 6-3 victory on court two.
 
Epps was dominant yet again in singles.  The sophomore tallied her 10th win of the spring, winning 12 of the 13 games to dismantle Zoi Spyrou 6-1, 6-0 at the No. 2 spot to make it 2-0 in favor of LA Tech.
 
Giving the Bulldogs the third point was Nina Skoric who registered an impressive 6-1, 6-3 win over Pika Doberlet at the No. 4 position.  Grabbing the clinching point for a third straight match was Rodrigues who delivered a 6-4, 6-2 win against Honoka Umeda at the top position.
 
When play was stopped, Mio Kozaki and Brook were both up a set while Tsironi was attempting to force a third set.
 
QUOTABLES
Head coach Amy Sargeant
 
"This team is continuing to grow each week, showing fearless and resilient tennis.  I am proud of how the players adapted to the conditions this week with no complaints and a willingness to work."
 
"Zoie and Ana stepped up at court one with a complete doubles set and both following it up in singles playing composed, clean, and competitive tennis.  Maria and Alice clinched another doubles point.  I have been impressed with their composure on big points while staying loose and having fun.  Nina has really showed some growth and maturity this past week.  Her work ethic and focus are starting to pay off, which enabled her to get the job done on her terms."
 
NOTABLES

• LA Tech has now won four of the last five meetings against Northwestern State.
• The Bulldogs extended their winning streak to eight matches, the seventh longest streak in program history.
• LA Tech has now won seven straight home matches dating back to last season, the seventh longest streak in program history.
• LA Tech improved to 9-0 this season when winning the doubles point.
• Ana Rodrigues and Zoie Epps teamed up for their sixth consecutive doubles win, tied for the seventh longest streak in program history.  For Rodrigues, it was her 42nd career dual doubles win, tied for the sixth most in program history.
• Maria Tsironi and Alice Brook teamed up to claim their team-leading eighth dual doubles victory this spring.
• Ana Rodrigues provided the clinching point for the third straight match.  The senior has now won five of her last six dual singles matches.
• Zoie Epps collected her 10th dual singles win, improving to 10-1.  She is now 22-3 during the 2024-25 season.

UP NEXT
LA Tech will head to Houston next weekend for a pair of matches against UNLV and Rice on March 1-2.
 
SOCIAL MEDIA
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