RUSTON – Louisiana Tech jumped out to an early lead and withstood a late rally from Abilene Christian to secure a 4–2 victory in windy conditions Sunday at the LA Tech Tennis Complex.
 
LA Tech (11-2) set the tone immediately in doubles, surrendering just six total games across three courts.  The nationally ranked tandem of Zoie Epps and Isabella Walker delivered a 6-2 win at the top spot while the duo of Diana Starodubtseva and June Vigneron matched the scoreline with a 6-2 victory at No. 3 to give the Bulldogs the early advantage.
 
LA Tech quickly extended its lead in singles behind a pair of decisive performances.  Epps cruised to a 6-2, 6-1 victory at No. 1 singles over Masha Vrsalovic, and Walker followed with a strong 6-1, 6-3 win at the No. 5 position against Victoria Correa to push the Bulldogs in front 3-0.
 
ACU (7-9) refused to go away, responding with wins at No. 2 and No. 3 singles to trim the deficit and set up a tense finish.  With the match hanging in the balance, the final two singles courts went the distance.
 
It was Mio Kozaki who ultimately sealed the victory for LA Tech.  After taking a tight first set, dropping the second, the senior regrouped in the decider to defeat Elsa Luthar 7-5, 3-6, 6-3 at No. 6 singles, providing the clinching point for the Bulldogs.
 
It took more than three hours, but LA Tech held serve at home, claiming its eighth straight victory and 10th consecutive win on its home courts.
 
QUOTABLES
Head coach Amy Sargeant
 
"Today, we played some of our best doubles, serving with purpose and moving early off the first ball.  That intent and preparation continue to show in the way we complete.  Singles ultimately came down to belief and confidence in the biggest moments.  When we trust ourselves and play on our terms, we control the points and put ourselves in position to succeed.  That belief is something we will keep building every day."
 
"I am incredibly proud of Mio for clinching her match – a great reward for her hard work.  Zoie and Issy continue to lead the way with their competitiveness and example.  This team keeps growing, and if we stay committed to trusting ourselves and doing the little things well, there is so much more ahead of us."
 
NOTABLES

• With the win, LA Tech now leads the all-time series versus Abilene Christian, 2-0.
• LA Tech claimed its eighth consecutive victory, tied for the seventh longest streak in program history.
• The Bulldogs won their 10th straight home match, the third longest streak in program history.
• LA Tech won its ninth doubles point of the season (out of 13 matches).  They have won five of the last six doubles points.
• Mio Kozaki won her 10th consecutive dual singles match, a streak that dates to last season.  It marked the second time this season the senior has provided the clinching point.
• Zoie Epps won her eighth straight dual singles match (11-1 on the season).  The junior has now had three separate winning streaks of at least eight matches.
• Zoie Epps claimed her 47th career dual singles win, tied for the eighth most in program history.
• Isabella Walker won her seventh straight dual singles match and 10th overall this spring.  The freshman now has a 10-1 mark.

UP NEXT
LA Tech will be back in action on Saturday, March 21 as the Bulldogs travel to Huntsville, Texas for a CUSA showdown with Sam Houston.  First serve is set for 11 a.m. CT.
 
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