RUSTON – Strong doubles play and steady results across the singles lineup propelled Louisiana Tech to a 4-1 victory over Texas State on Saturday at the LA Tech Tennis Complex.
 
Despite the colder conditions with consistent wind, LA Tech (13-3) came out on fire, setting the tone with a convincing doubles point.  That momentum carried over into singles with the Bulldogs collecting straight-set wins on courts one, four, and five to extend their home winning streak to 10 matches.
 
Texas State (9-6) came into the contest having won 11 of its last 12 doubles points and had an overall doubles mark of 25-7.  That did not bother LA Tech who jumped out on top on all three courts.
 
The 59th-ranked pairing of Zoie Epps and Isabella Walker got the Bulldogs off to a fast start with a decisive 6-0 win on court one.  With the other two courts one game away from clinching the doubles point, it ended up being the tandem of Diana Starodubtseva and June Vigneron who prevailed 6-3 on court three.
 
The first completed singles match came on court five with Vigneron handling Stoney Cooks 6-3, 6-1 to give LA Tech a 2-0 one advantage.  Texas State's lone completed singles win came on court two where Ireland Simme won in straight sets to slice the Bobcats deficit in half.
 
Meanwhile, Epps and Emily Niers were in a battle at the No. 1 position.  Epps found herself down 2-4 in the first set before rattling off four straight games to take it 6-4.  The junior was in a similar situation in set two, down 3-4 before comeback to win 6-4 as well for the 'Dogs third point.
 
Providing the clinching point was Maria Tsironi who added the fourth and final point with a solid performance against Charlotte Roesch, registering a 7-5, 6-1 victory.
 
QUOTABLES
Head coach Amy Sargeant
 
"This has been a tough week of practice, but exactly the kind we needed.  We have been dialed in on playing our game styles with aggressive decision-making and relentless footwork."
 
"In doubles, we came out in fifth gear on all three courts – assertive, confident, poaching early, and playing to win.  That is who we are.  Singles tested us on a couple of courts, but we found ways to rise in the biggest moments.  That is growth and that is trust in the process."
 
"I am especially proud of our three clinchers – Zoie for truly understanding when and how she plays her best tennis, June for bounding back strong after last week, and Maria for building confidence every time she competes."
 
NOTABLES

• With the win, LA Tech now leads the all-time series versus Texas State, 7-3.  The Bulldogs have won seven straight over the Bobcats.
• LA Tech improved to 4-0 at home this season.  The Bulldogs have now won 11 straight at the LA Tech Tennis Complex, the third longest home streak in program history.
• LA Tech won its 11th doubles point of the season (out of 16 matches).
• Zoie Epps improved to 13-1 this spring.  The sophomore has won 10 consecutive matches, all via straight sets. 
• Zoie Epps won her 49th career dual singles match, tied for the sixth most in program history.
• Both June Vigneron and Maria Tsironi each collected their eighth dual singles win of the season.
• Maria Tsironi provided the clinching point for the second time this spring (also did so versus Stephen F. Austin).
• Zoie Epps and Isabella Walker teamed up for their eighth dual doubles win of the season.  It was the second time this spring they won a match 6-0.
• June Vigneron and Diana Starodubtseva teamed up for their third straight doubles victory.

UP NEXT
LA Tech will host Tarleton State on Saturday, April 4 as part of Senior Day at the LA Tech Tennis Complex.  First serve is set for 11 a.m. CT.
 
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