RUSTON – Back in action for the first time in 10 days, Louisiana Tech needed less than two hours to register a 4-0 shutout win over Missouri State on a sunny Saturday at the LA Tech Tennis Complex.
 
LA Tech (10-2, 3-0 CUSA) was happy to be playing on its home courts for just the second time this spring.  And the Bulldogs did not disappoint the home crowd, winning the doubles point combined with victories on courts one, five, and six in singles to claim their seventh straight win.
 
Whatever rust there may have been was brushed off early as LA Tech jumped out to a strong start in doubles.  The 70th-ranked duo of Zoie Epps and Isabella Walker did not surrender a single game, winning 6-0 at the No. 1 position.
 
With the Bulldogs up 5-2 on courts two and three in their respective matches, it was the tandem of Maria Tsironi and Alice Brook who sealed the opening point with a 6-2 victory at the No. 2 spot.
 
Missouri State (3-11, 0-1 CUSA), playing its first ever CUSA match as a new member of the league, had a withdrawal on court six giving LA Tech a 2-0 advantage before singles even started.
 
Needing just two points to clinch the match, Walker and Epps delivered.  The freshman Walker secured a 6-1, 6-4 victory over Leticia Caldararo on court five.  Her doubles partner, Epps, came through with the fourth and final point, overpowering Billur Gonlusen 6-0, 6-1 on court one.
 
QUOTABLES
Head coach Amy Sargeant
 
"Our hard work shows in every point we played today.  Strong first serves set the tone in doubles, and when courts one and five step forward with aggressive, fearless tennis, it reflects the commitment and belief we have built this season."
 
NOTABLES

• LA Tech claimed its first ever win over Missouri State.  The Bulldogs had lost the previous three matches versus the Bears.
• The Bulldogs collected their 10th dual victory of the season.  It marks the fifth straight season that LA Tech has won double-digit matches.  They have won 10+ in 13 of the last 16 seasons
• LA Tech won its seventh straight match, tied for the eighth longest streak in program history.
• The Bulldogs extended their home winning streak to nine, tied for the third longest in program history.
• LA Tech won its ninth consecutive CUSA match, a streak that dates back to the 2024 season.
• The Bulldogs claimed their eighth doubles point of the season (out of 12 matches).
• Zoie Epps improved to 10-1 this spring season, having won seven in a row.  The junior improved to 46-13 all-time in dual singles matches, the ninth most wins in program history.
• Isabella Walker improved to 9-1 this spring season, having won six straight. 
• Maria Tsironi and Alice Brook teamed up for their fifth consecutive doubles win.  It was the duo's 20th all-time dual doubles victory together.
• Zoie Epps clinched the match for the first time this spring.

UP NEXT
LA Tech will have a quick turn around and host Abilene Christian tomorrow at the LA Tech Tennis Complex.  First serve is set for 11 a.m. CT.
 
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