Islanders Sweep, Maintain Control of First

HAMMOND, La. – Wrapping up a perfect road trip to the state of Louisiana, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi swept Southeastern Louisiana 7-0 to maintain sole possession of first place in the Southland Conference.
 
A day after a thrilling and gut-wrenching 4-3 victory at New Orleans, the Islanders (13-2, 6-1 SLC) romped to a perfect 7-0 victory over the Lions.
 
The Islanders started the day with a dominating performance in doubles. Corpus Christi claimed wins on courts two and three, allowing the Lions to win just one game combined. Hortense Boscher and Kerry Galhos teamed up to open the rout, scorching past Natalie Duran and Yasmine Taylor 6-0.
 
Moments later, the Islanders had a 1-0 lead thanks to the second pairing of Louise Trigona and Marina Vicens Miquel. The two made short work of their Lion opposition, cruising to a 6-1 victory and clinching the doubles point.
 
In singles play, the Islanders ensured there was never any doubt as five of the six matches went in straight sets. Vicens Miquel was the first to add to the lead, running off a perfect 6-0, 6-0 victory to build a 2-0 lead. The win was Vicens Miquel's 12th of the season, second most on the team.
 
Not long after, the Islanders lead grew to 3-0 courtesy of a victory on court one. Hortense Boscher picked up a win in commanding fashion over Fleur Holtkamp. In the battle between the two leaders of each squad, Boscher earned a 6-3, 6-1 decision.
 
A&M-Corpus Christi would clinch the match with Trigona's win at four. The freshman continued her stellar rookie season with a strong 6-3, 6-3 victory. The win gives Trigona 10 on the season making her the fifth Islander to hit double digits.
 
The remainder of the matches all broke the way of the Blue and Green as well. Senior Judit Vives was next to down her Southeastern Louisiana foe, claiming a 6-2, 6-3 win in the third spot of the order. In the lone match that went three sets, Jelena Dzinic toppled Dany Raygadas in 6-1, 4-6, 10-6 fashion as the two played a third set super tiebreak.
 
Maria Maldonado topped off the perfect day with a 6-0, 7-5 win at number five. The win is Maldonado's team-leading 13th of the season.
 
With the victory, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi maintains sole possession of the top spot in the Southland with just four matches remaining on the schedule.

 

SENIOR WEEKEND

 
The Islanders return home this weekend for the final two matches of the season at the Thomas J. Henry Tennis Center. The Blue and Green hosts rival Northwestern State on Saturday in a noon first serve before celebrating Senior Day on Sunday against Stephen F. Austin. First serve on Senior Day is also set for noon.

Admission to all home tennis matches is free.

 

MOORE THOUGHTS

 
On victory…
"I'm really proud of our girls after such an emotional 4-3 win to come out and make the choice to be so tough and focused today. Southeastern Louisiana always fights hard at home and has a great college tennis environment. I'm just really proud of the mental toughness our girls choose to be about."
 
On support from men's team…
"Today was a total team effort. Everyone contributed, including the men's team who cheered like the one big family Islanders Tennis is."
 
On weekend homestand…
"We have some tough tests coming up this weekend. We'll take a day or two to rest and then get back to improving and chopping wood."