LSUS Battles but Drops 4-3 Decision to Eagles

TEXARKANA, Texas -- LSU Shreveport women's tennis dropped a hard-fought Red River Athletic Conference opener on Thursday afternoon, falling 4-3 to Texas A&M University-Texarkana on the road.

With the loss, the Pilots move to 1-3 overall and 0-1 in RRAC play.

In doubles action, LSUS earned a victory at the top position as Lidia Gomez and Ana Julia De Paula Mandrot defeated Emmanouela Besi and Kristin Major, 6-2, at No. 1 doubles.

The Eagles secured the remaining two doubles courts, as Sara Sofia Sanchez Molano and Lucia Lucas fell 6-3 at No. 2, and Jade Derks and Christilyn Ross dropped a 6-0 decision at No. 3. The Pilots picked up three singles victories to keep the match within reach. At No. 2 singles, Lucia Lucas earned a 7-5, 6-3 win. Ana Julia De Paula Mandrot secured a 7-5, 7-5 victory at No. 3 singles, and Sara Sofia Sanchez Molano added a 6-2, 6-2 triumph at No. 4.

Texas A&M-Texarkana claimed singles wins at No. 1, No. 5, and No. 6. Lidia Gomez fell in straight sets to Ana Gonzalez, 6-4, 6-0, at the top position. At No. 5, Christilyn Ross was defeated by Andrea Castillo, 6-0, 6-2, and Jade Derks battled at No. 6 before falling 7-6, 6-1.

LSUS will be back in action on Sat., Feb. 21 at noon as they travel to face LSU Alexandria.