BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Louisiana Tech continued its strong start to the spring season on Saturday, claiming a 4-1 victory over UAB at the Hoover Met Tennis Center.
 
LA Tech (7-2) has now won four straight – three coming on the road – and six of its last seven.  The path to victory against the Blazers was the doubles point plus three wins in singles.
 
The Bulldogs set the tone in doubles, going up early on all three courts.  The newly formed duo of June Vigneron and Diana Starodubtseva tallied the first win, coming out on top 6-1 on court three.  Clinching the opening point was the experienced duo of Alice Brook and Maria Tsironi who would three straight games to take it 6-2 on court two.
 
UAB (3-6) would notched its one and only point with the first completed singles match, getting a straight-sets win from Gresi Bajri on court four. 
 
Just moments later though, Zoie Epps gave the 'Dogs the lead right back, handling Kristyna Damaskova on court one with a convincing 6-1, 6-2 victory. 
 
The bottom of the lineup did the rest.  Isabella Walker cruised to a 6-2, 6-2 win over Julia Caffarena on court five to make it 3-1 in favor of LA Tech.  Clinching the match was Mio Kozaki who outdueled Antonia Ende 6-2, 6-4 on court six. 
 
QUOTABLES
Head coach Amy Sargeant
 
"Today's win was all about grit, discipline, and owning the big moments.  We stepped onto the court in doubles with purpose, serving at a high percentage, being aggressive with our feet, and finishing confidently at the net.  That set the tone.  Heading into singles, the mission was clear: bring relentless energy, stay locked in on high-percentage tennis, and trust our patterns."
 
"I am proud of the way we continue to grow, stay tough in pressure moments, and find ways to win.  That is who we are – resilient, focused, and never backing down."
 
NOTABLES

• With the win, LA Tech now leads the all-time series versus UAB, 9-6.  The Bulldogs have won seven of the last eight meetings.
• LA Tech has won the last four matchups against UAB in Birmingham.
• LA Tech has won three straight road games (first time since 2024).
• The Bulldogs have won seven of their first nine matches in four of the last five seasons.
• LA Tech has won six of the nine doubles points this spring.
• In dual singles, Zoie Epps improved to 7-1 on the season and 43-13 for her career.  The junior is one win shy of cracking the top 10 list for career wins at LA Tech.
• Mio Kozaki extended her dual singles winning streak to nine matches (dating back to last season). 
• Isabella Walker improved to 7-1 in dual singles, having won four straight.
• June Vigneron played in and won her first dual doubles match of the season.

UP NEXT
LA Tech will be back in action tomorrow for its first conference match of the season, playing at Jacksonville State.  First serve is set for Noon CT.  
 
SUPPORT LA TECH ATHLETICS
Championships require championship resources.  Fans can make a direct impact on the success of LA Tech Athletics through LTAC, Aillet Society, T-Club, and Young Alumni program as well as the CHAMP fund, a revenue-sharing initiative designed to directly support LA Tech Athletics through NIL and marketing opportunities for Bulldog and Lady Techster student-athletes.  Visit BuildTheLegacy.com today.
 
BARK LOUDER
Our mission is to engage, develop, and advance the Louisiana Tech Athletics brand.  You can do that by spending time consuming our content and by investing your talents.  By barking louder with your time and talent, you can affect progress and brand advancement in a meaningful way.  Visit LATechSports.com/BarkLouder today.  You bark.  We bark.  Louder together.
 
SOCIAL MEDIA
For all the latest in Bulldog Tennis, follow us on X (@LATechTennis), Instagram (@LATechTennis), and Facebook (LATechTennis).