RUSTON – Louisiana Tech's strong start to the 2026 season was rewarded Thursday as the Bulldogs checked in at No. 64 in the latest Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) rankings, tying the highest national ranking in program history.
 
History was also made in doubles as Zoie Epps and Isabella Walker debuted at No. 50 nationally, becoming the first Bulldogs ever to earn an individual national ranking.
 
LA Tech, last nationally ranked in 2023, has opened the dual slate with a 5-2 record. The Bulldogs have won three of their last five matches, including back-to-back road victories this past week at UT Arlington and University of North Texas.
 
The duo of Epps and Walker has played a major role in the team's early success, owning a 4-2 record at the No. 1 position. Their jump into the rankings was fueled by the program's biggest upset victory – a win over Mississippi State Bulldogs' top pairing, which was ranked No. 9 nationally at the time.
 
The schedule does not get any easier for LA Tech as the Bulldogs host reigning Southland Conference regular season and tournament champion Stephen F. Austin on Saturday, Feb. 21.  First serve for the home opener is set for 1 p.m. CT
 
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