RUSTON – Louisiana Tech closed out an undefeated home season in fitting fashion Friday, rallying past Tarleton State, 4-2, on Senior Day at the LA Tech Tennis Complex.
 
The match did not start as planned for LA Tech (14-3), which dropped the doubles point.  However, the Bulldogs quickly regrouped, winning four singles matches, including the clincher by senior Mio Kozaki.
 
The 77th-ranked pairing of Zoie Epps and Isabella Walker got the day started with a 6-4 victory on court one, but Tarleton State (14-6) answered with a 6-3 win on court three.  The opening point came down to court two, where Alice Brook and Maria Tsironi battled back from a 5-2 deficit to pull within 5-4, but the Texans closed it out, 6-4, to take a 1-0 lead.
 
LA Tech faced an uphill battle against a TSU squad that entered the match riding a six-match winning streak, having lost just two singles matches during that stretch.
 
The Bulldogs were up to the challenge.
 
They claimed first sets on five of six singles courts, with Epps setting the tone.  The junior extended her winning streak to 11 with a 6-1, 6-3 victory over Maria Castano on court one, tying the match at 1-1.
 
Tarleton State briefly regained the lead at 2-1 following a straight sets win by Aya Ishii on court two.  However, freshman Isabella Walker responded on court six, winning a deciding deuce point on match point to even the score with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Dariia Medviedieva.
 
LA Tech then grabbed its first lead of the day thanks to Maria Tsironi on court four.  The sophomore needed four match points but sealed a 6-3, 7-5 win over Ximena Morales to put the Bulldogs ahead, 3-2.
 
On Senior Day, it was only fitting that the final two courts featured LA Tech's seniors and former Hampton teammates, Diana Starodubtseva and Mio Kozaki.
 
Starodubtseva was two points away from clinching on court three but dropped the second set in a tiebreaker, shifting the spotlight to Kozaki on court five.  After taking the first set, 6-3, she fell behind 0-3 in the second before responding with five straight games.  Kozaki ultimately secured the clinching point with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Marissa Minetti.
 
QUOTABLES
Head coach Amy Sargeant
 
On the victory on Senior Day…
"I could not be prouder of how this team responded after a flat doubles point.  We regrouped and leaned into the challenge, and we showed exactly who we are.  Mio and Diana showed what it means to be seniors, leading with passion, pride, and an unshakable will to get the job done for their team.  This group brings a winning mindset every single day, and that is something to be proud of.  We are locked in, motivated, and ready to finish the season stronger than ever."
 
On Zoie Epps…
"Zoie Epps is the heartbeat of this team, a true powerhouse who sets the standard every single day.  Her leadership, fight, and the pride she plays with inspire everyone around her.  She competes with relentless heart, and it shows."
 
On Isabella Walker…
"Issy Walker is finding her groove on court six, playing fearless, scrappy, and free.  Her energy and joy out there are contagious, and she is proving how dangerous she can be when she trusts herself."
 
On Maria Tsironi…
"Maria's win reflects her growing confidence and toughness.  She is stepping up in big moments and embracing the fight."
 
NOTABLES

• With the win, LA Tech now leads the all-time series versus Tarleton State, 3-2.  The Bulldogs snapped a two-match losing streak to the Texans.
• LA Tech collected its 14th victory of the spring season.  It is tied for the 11th most wins in a single season in program history.
• LA Tech went undefeated at home this season, winning all five matches.  It is the fifth undefeated home season in program history (first since 2017).
• The Bulldogs extended their home winning streak to 12 matches, tied for the second longest in program history.
• The Bulldogs are 23-3 all-time at home in the Amy Sargeant era.
• LA Tech improved to 4-2 this season when dropping the doubles point.
• Zoie Epps extended her winning streak to 11 matches.  She is now 14-1 on the season.  It was career dual singles win No. 50 for the junior, becoming just the sixth Bulldog in program history to hit this milestone.
• Isabella Walker won her 11th dual singles match, second most on the team.  She is 7-1 this season playing on court six.
• Maria Tsironi won her ninth dual singles match of the spring.  The sophomore has won seven of her last nine matches.
• Mio Kozaki provided the clinching point for a third time this season.  The senior is a perfect 6-0 in dual singles this spring and has won 12 straight dating back to last season.
• Zoie Epps and Isabella Walker teamed up to claim their ninth dual doubles victory of the spring.  They have won five of their last six matches. 

UP NEXT
LA Tech is slated to close out the regular season next weekend.  The Bulldogs will play two road matches against Georgia State and Kennesaw State.
 
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