LAKE CHARLES—McNeese women's tennis returned home Saturday after being on the road for its previous eight matches and handed Northwestern State is first conference loss of the season with a 4-3 win.  McNeese improved to 13-1 overall and 3-0 in the SLC.  NW State falls to 8-5 overall and 4-1 in the SLC with the loss.

McNeese will remain home to host Stephen F. Austin at 11 a.m. Monday, March 23.

"Today was a gritty, high-energy team win," said head coach Sonia Carlson. "We showed toughness, determination, and the competitive fire we've been building all season, and feeding off our home crowd made a huge difference.

"After two weekends off, we needed a little time to settle in, but once we found our rhythm, the intensity and belief took over. Clinching the doubles point gave us real momentum, and you could feel the confidence spread across every court going into singles. I'm proud of the fight and the heart this group showed — they left everything out there today.  We know Monday against SFA will be another battle, and we're coming in ready to bring the heat."

McNeese won the doubles point to take a 1-0 lead with wins at the No. 2 and No. 3 doubles.  The Cowgirls carried that momentum into singles matches and won the first three matches to clinch the overall match. Salome Fluri picked up a win at No. 1 singles to improve to 9-1 on the season. Ana Hollweg improved to 13-1 overall with her win at No. 4 to put McNeese up 3-0. Elena Morales picked up a straight set win at No. 6 to clinch the match.  Morales improved to 12-1 on the season with her clinching match win.
 
SINGLES
1. Salome Fluri (MCN) def. Honoka Umeda (NSU) 6-2, 6-2
2. Maria Farina (NSU) def. Alexa Martinez (MCN) 6-3, 6-7 (7-6), 10-4
3. Athina Grigoriadou (NSU) def. Stella Rundova (MCN) 6-1, 3-6, 6-3
4. Ana Hollweg (MCN) def. Martina Acebedo (NSU) 7-6 (7-1), 6-2
5. Pika Doberlet (NSU) def. Erica Hagi (MCN) 6-7 (5-7), 5-5, retired
6. Elena Morales (MCN) def. Sofi Garcia (NSU) 6-3, 7-5
 
DOUBLES
1. Honoka Umeda/Sofi Garcia (NSU) def. Stella Rundova/Elena Morales (MCN) 6-0
2. Salome Fluri/Erica Hagi (MCN) def. Lija Mumlek/Maria Farina (NSU) 6-3
3. Ana Hollweg/Naomi Hagi (MCN) def. Athina Grigoriadou/Martina Acebedo (NSU) 7-6 (7-5)