The LSU women’s tennis team wrapped up their home opener on Sunday, defeating Centenary and the University of Louisiana-Lafayette after play was suspended on Saturday due to rain.
LSU swept their doubles matches against both Centenary and Lafayette. Senior Rocio Fantilli and junior Amanda Mang defeated Centenary’s Anja Schmidt and Heather Kelley 8-2. Laura Seaman and Daysi Espinal got past Christine Majchrowic and Brandy Smith 8-2. In the singles, Fantilli beat Centenary’s Brandy Smith 6-0, 6-0.
Centenary’s only singles win came when senior Jessica Ferguson fell to Scmidt 6-4, 6-4. Daysi Espinal defeated Elizabeth Pitts 6-0, 6-0.
The Lady Tigers defeated Centenary 6-1.
LSU fared just as well against Lafayette in the double and single matches. Ferguson and Chiarelli defeated Lafayette’s Kimmie Lyles and Cecilia Varela 8-2. Fantilli and Mang got past Celine VanWeydeveld and Thais Bortoletto 8-1.
LSU got past Lafayette 7-0.
In the singles matches, Ferguson defeated Susan Linden 6-0, 6-3. Espinal beat Kimmie Lyles 6-1, 7-5, and Seaman defeated Sophie Cerbon 6-2, 6-0.
Coach Tony Minnis said he was pleased with the way LSU played.
“We played very well against Lafayette and Centenary.” Minnis said. “I’m pretty happy with what I’ve seen from this group.”
Following a 25-minute rain delay on Saturday, play resumed only to have it postponed until Sunday after more rain. Minnis said the rain delay could benefit his team for later in the year.
“It’s probably good in a way because at some point in the season that may happen again and at least we’ve been through it,” Minnis said. “The hardest thing about that is when you’re playing with intensity, then you take a break and you drop off, it can make a difference sometimes.”
The doubles team of Fantilli and Seaman, ranked No. 34 in the nation, did not compete together during the weekend.
“Right now, we’re just experimenting with the doubles teams,” Minnis said. “We’ll just experiment and see from there.”
Minnis said the team has made significant progress since last year.
“I think the comradarie and chemistry on the team is fantastic compared to a year ago,” Minnis said. “We had five to six of the girls last year who really didn’t know what to expect and having them back and having them gone through it is a definite plus.”
The Lady Tigers will take on Louisiana Tech and Southern University on Wednesday. Southeastern Conference play begins Feb. 27.
Minnis said having a tough out of conference schedule is good for the team.
“We play a very non-conference schedule and that hopefully prepares you for the SEC,” Minnis said. “I think we’re ready.”