For Immediate Release: March 14, 2000
Contact: Derek Smolik, UT Pan American SID

UT Pan American Women's Tennis Continues to Improve, But Falls 5-4 to Nicholls State

THIBODAUX, LA. -- Nicholls State University won four of the six singles matches to come from behind and defeat the University of Texas-Pan American in women's tennis action Tuesday afternoon.

The Lady Broncs ran out to an early 3-1 lead on the Lady Colonels behind strong doubles play.  Maria Fernandez and Sagnite Garcia defeated Sandra Gloria and Virginia Villani at number one doubles, 8-4.  Marissa Guzman and Mireya Villareal won the number three doubles match by default, while the Lady Colonels won the number two doubles match.  Denise Martinez won the number six singles match by default to give the Lady Broncs the early lead.

Rodriguez picked up her first collegiate victory, a 6-1, 6-1, win over Andree' Picou at number five singles to put the Broncs just one point from victory.  However the Lady Colonels swept the singles matches at number 2, 3 and 4 to tie the match at 4-4.  That left it up to Maria Fernandez, who was locked in a tough three-set match with Catherine Gauthier.  Fernandez came from behind to force a third set, but fell, 7-5, 5-7, 6-2.

With the loss the Lady Broncs fell to 0-12 on the season.  Nicholls State improved to 2-4 with the win.  The Lady Broncs return to action against The University of New Orleans on Wednesday, March 15, starting at 2:00 p.m.

Nicholls State 5, UTPA 4
Women's Tennis
Thibodaux, La.

Singles
#1  Catherine Gauthier (NSU) d. Maria Fernandez (UTPA), 7-5, 5-7, 6-2
#2  Virginia Villani (NSU) d. Sagnite Garcia (UTPA), 6-2, 6-3
#3  Sandra Gloria (NSU) d. Kristine Getchell (UTPA), 6-1, 6-1
#4  Rachel Wade (NSU) d. Mireya Villareal (UTPA), 6-0, 6-2
#5  Linda Rodriguez (UTPA) d. Andree' Picou (NSU), 6-1, 6-1
#6  Denisse Martinez (UTPA) d. Vilma Molina, default

Doubles
#1  Fernandez/Garcia (UTPA) d. Gloria/Villani (NSU), 8-4
#2  Gauthier/Wade (NSU) d. Getchell/Rodriguez (UTPA), 8-1
#3  Guzman/Villareal (UTPA) d. Moline/Picou (NSU), default

Records: Nicholls State 2-4, UTPA 0-12