NATCHITOCHES – It was a total team effort that helped the McNeese women's tennis team propel itself over Northwestern State, 5-2, in Southland Conference action Monday afternoon to remain alive in the race for a league championship.
 
Both squads waited out a four-hour rain delay due to passing thunderstorms in the area but it was that period of time that gave McNeese the advantage as the Cowgirls laid out their goals to overcome a tough obstacle on the road.
 
Monday's victory was the first time since 2002 that McNeese had defeated Northwestern State in Natchitoches. It was also the Cowgirls' second victory over the Lady Demons in five seasons.
 
"Today was a true team win for us," said head coach Helena Besovic. "Everyone gave a 100% effort on the court and we played with so much heart. It took a lot of mental strength to come back after the rain delay and play strong in singles. I could not be more proud of the team."
 
The victory moved McNeese to 8-7 on the season and 3-1 in conference play while Northwestern State dipped to 9-4 overall and 2-1 in league action.
 
The match finally started around 5:30 p.m. and the Pokes were ready to achieve the goal they set as they entered doubles competition. The team of Giovanna Fioretti and Stella Carra took the first point from the third position while Charoline Erlandsson and Vivien Borbely remained undefeated in league play as they clinched the doubles with a 6-4 win in the No. 2 spot.
 
In singles, Erlandsson picked up the first point after scoring a 6-4, 6-0 victory in the fifth spot while Sarah Jurakova took down Iryna Vardanian 7-5, 6-3 on Court 2.
 
With a 3-0 advantage in the contest, Fioretti snapped a two-game skid as she defeated the Lady Demons' top player in Polina Ivanova in three-sets 6-1, 3-6, 6-1 to clinch the match point on the court of one of the toughest places to compete in the league.
 
With the match in hand, Hannah Brett added to the lead with a three-set comeback victory over Polina Mutel in the third spot with a 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 result.
 
Northwestern State took wins in the fourth and six positions to close out the match.
 
The Cowgirls return home this weekend to compete against Abilene Christian in conference play at 11 a.m. on Saturday at the Nancy Hank Tennis Center.

Tennis Match Results
McNeese vs Northwestern State Mar 13, 2017 at Natchitoches, La. (Jack Fisher Tennis Complex)

McNeese 5, Northwestern State 2

Singles competition
Giovanna Fioretti (MCN) def. Polina Ivanova (NWST) 6-1, 3-6, 6-1
2. Sarah Jurakova (MCN) def. Iryna Vardanian (NWST) 7-5, 6-3
3. Hannah Brett (MCN) def. Polina Mutel (NWST) 4-6, 6-3, 6-1
4. Emilija Dancetovic (NWST) def. Phonexay Chitdara (MCN) 6-2, 2-6, 6-2
5. Charoline Erlandsson (MCN) def. Vladislava Litvinova (NWST) 6-4, 6-0
6. Judit Castillo (NWST) def. Stella Carra (MCN) 5-7, 6-4, 10-4

Doubles competition
1. Polina Mutel/Iryna Vardanian (NWST) vs. Sarah Jurakova/Hannah Brett (MCN) unfinished
2. Charoline Erlandsson/Vivien Borbely (MCN) def. Polina Ivanova/Emilija Dancetovic (NWST) 6-4
3. Giovanna Fioretti/Stella Carra (MCN) def. Vladislava Litvinova/Kateryna Avram (NWST) 7-5

Match Notes:
McNeese 8-7 (3-1)
Northwestern State 9-4 (2-1)
Order of finish: Doubles (3,2); Singles (5,2,1,3,4,6) T-2:15 A-101