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The Lion's Roar

The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

    Lady Lions soar past Cardinals

    Renee Villarreal

    Junior Renee Villarreal continued to lead the Lady Lions into victory. The 2013-2014 Southeastern Athlete of the Year picked up her tenth singles victory of the spring to remain perfect in singles competition this season.
    The Lion’s Roar / Jay Love

    The Lady Lions were able to add to their winning streak this past Saturday by defeating the University of the Incarnate Word Cardinals, 6-1. The match prolonged the winning streaks of several Lady Lions and also featured wins for a new pair in doubles play. 

    Due to inclement weather on the horizon, the two teams agreed to play singles ahead of doubles. Head coach Jason Hayes noted the change in schedule is nothing out of the usual for the team. 

    “Sometimes it can be confusing to them, but we did it a couple days ago against Southeast Missouri,” said Hayes. “They knew well ahead of time and they are a smart crew, so I think they picked it up pretty quickly.”

    Junior Renee Villarreal extended on to her perfect run through singles this season with a 6-2, 6-1 victory over UIW’s Rachel Sadiq. The win brings the Mexico native to 10-0 this spring in singles competition. 

    Over on the No. 3 court, freshman Lucia Bustamante gained her eighth singles win of the season. The Ecuador native defeated her Cardinal opponent 6-2, 6-3. 

    Bustamante was not the only freshman to have success over the weekend. Both Dany Raygadas and Madina Vorotnikova proved to be too much for their opponents. Raygadas maintained her perfect status in conference singles by breezing past Maria Batchinsky 6-0, 6-1. Vorotnikova also kept her perfect status in Southland singles play afloat by defeating 6-0, 6-1. 

    Rounding out the Lady Lion’s success in singles competition was sophomore Margaux Kaltenbacher. The Switzerland native was triumphant over Malisa Vatanadilok of UIW 6-1, 6-2.

    Southeastern was able to follow up their success in singles play by sweeping the Cardinals in doubles. The newly formed team of Vorotnikova and freshman Natalie Duran came away with the win on the No. 3 court. Both of the teams on the No. 1 and No. 2 courts gained their second win of the season. On No. 1, Villarreal and Bustmante teamed together to gain a 8-1 victory for Southeastern, while the pair of Raygadas and Kaltenbacher finished the sweep with a 8-4 defeat over their UIW opponents. Hayes was satisfied with how the team treated the match following the victory. 

    “The main thing about this group is that they stay focused and they treat each match like it is the most important match,” said Hayes. “They work hard, they play smart and they do everything I ask. Every time we come out, it is exciting to watch them get better.”

    The match against UIW was the forth in a five-match home stint. Hayes commented on the conveniences of playing at home.

    “You take advantages of the home matches. We get to sleep at home, know what you are eating in the morning and stuff like that,” said Hayes. “We still have a lot of tough road matches coming up and I’m sure they will adjust and be ready to play.” 

    The Lady Lions will next see action this Friday when they travel to Abilene, Texas to take on the Wildcats of Abilene Christian University. Visit lionsports.net to find more information and a full schedule on Lady Lions tennis. 

     
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