The LSU Lady Tiger tennis team continued a streak Wednesday night against Tulane that had nothing to do with being defeated.
The Lady Tigers extended their consecutive match winning streak versus in-state opponents to 41 games with a 4-3 victory over the Green Wave.
“[Tulane] is No. 26 in the nation,” said women’s tennis head coach Tony Minnis. “That was a huge win for us. We’re really excited about this one.”
LSU (9-10) fought for victories in both doubles and singles play. The Lady Tigers won the doubles point thanks to the duo of Rocio Fantilli and Lauren Seaman, who upset No. 9 Jenny Kuhn and Julie Smekodub 9-7. It was the second upset victory of the week for the tandem, who also defeated Vanderbilt’s No. 1 pair of Sarah Riske and Aleke Tsoubanos last weekend.
In singles play the Lady Tigers suffered losses from Fantilli and Jessica Ferguson, but the Lady Tigers recovered, recording three crucial singles victories.
Daysi Espinal defeated Maria Ivanov in straight sets, 6-4, 6-2. Seaman, playing in place of an injured Amanda Mang, triumphed against Nancy Kockett 6-3, 6-4. In the second upset of the day, Marina Chiarelli clinched the victory for LSU against No. 71 Erika Valdes 7-6, 6-3.
LSU is now 28-2 all time against Tulane, which drops to 13-4 on the season with the loss.
The Lady Tigers return to action Friday against Mississippi State at the W.T. “Dub” Robinson Stadium at 2 p.m.