NATCHITOCHES—The Southland's reigning women's tennis Player and Freshman of the Year, McNeese's Salome Fluri picked up another major award in her young career by winning the Southland Conference Fall Individual Women's Singles title last Friday in Natchitoches, La. by defeating SFA's Felicia Back 6-0, 6-2.

"I'm so proud of Salome and everything she's accomplished this week," said head coach Sonia Carlson. "This was a goal she set for herself months ago, and she's worked so hard to make it happen. Her determination and competitive spirit really showed as she outperformed her opponents to earn a spot in the Conference Masters, an event that brings together the best player from each conference across the country. She truly deserves it, and I can't wait to watch her compete in San Diego."

Fluri advances to the 2025 ITA Conference Masters Championship that will be held Nov. 6-9 in San Diego, California, and will have a draw of 30 singles players and doubles teams across NCAA Division I conferences. From here, four players will qualify for the NCAA Singles Championship, and three doubles teams will qualify for the NCAA Doubles Championship Nov. 18-23 in Orlando, Florida.

Fluri is the first Cowgirl to win the SLC's Women's Tennis Championship singles draw.  Fluri began her championship run by earning a first round by virtue of being the tournament's top seed.  She defeated Northwestern State's Zoi Spyrou 5-7, 6-2, 6-1 in the quarterfinals and UTRGV's Yaiza Vasquez 6-3, 6-3 in the semifinals to advance to the championship match.

McNeese also fielded a doubles team comprised of Leana Gomez and Erica Hagi.  The No. 4 duo defeated Lamar's Arina Gudovskaya and Luana Paiva 7-5, 1-6, 10-4 in the quarterfinals before falling 6-3, 6-1 to Ksenia Mamontova and Jemma Cave of Stephen F. Austin and the tournament's No. 1 doubles team.

"Erica and Leana had a great run this week. They played with outstanding intensity and chemistry, taking down a tough team in the quarterfinals with smart shot selection and aggressive play.  In the semifinals, they battled hard against the team that went on to win the tournament and proved they can compete at a very high level. Their growth and confidence as a doubles team has been amazing to watch."